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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Congratulations internet, you were correct about why the Rio diving pool turned green

Diving - Olympics: Day 4
Diving - Olympics: Day 4
Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images
James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Diving - Olympics: Day 4
Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images

One of the strangest images of the Olympics so far was the dark green Olympic diving pool that changed color overnight following competition on Monday. People wondered what was going on. Was it a high school prank that filled it with Jello? Perhaps some of that pool dye that lets you humiliate people who pee? Ultimately, the Internet put its heads together to decide it was algae.

Good news, you were right!

On Wednesday morning officials explained that the pool was green due to algae.

“The water quality at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre was tested and there were no risks for the athletes. We are investigating the cause,” officials said.

The weird part of this is how the adjacent water polo pool showed no signs of any problems. Some have posited that a lack of chemicals caused the algal bloom, but there’s no word at this time. This is one of those things that’s embarrassing when it happens and you’ve planned a pool party, but pretty horrible when you have MILLIONS of eyes on you.

(h/t CNN)

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