15 Olympic venues around the world that have been totally abandoned

The chaos and controversy surrounding the 28th Summer Olympic games in Rio was brought on by the cost of the event.  The Olympics have a history of taking over a city, charging the city large amounts of money to build the infrastructure for the event and then leaving.  Leaving the city with a bunch of no-longer-needed architecture, like bobsled lanes and swimming pools.

Here are 15 old Olympic venues that stand out as some of the most dilapidated in existence.

 

#1 Bobsleigh Track, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics

Covered in graffiti, the bobsleigh track at Sarajevo is now used for bikers.

 

#2 Ski Jump Tower, Cortina D'ampezzo, Italy, 1956 Winter Olympics Venue

Though quite a site, this jump tower has been out of use since the games ended in 1956.

 

 

#3 Bobsled Track, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics Venue

Similar to the chaos that ensued in the 1990's, Bosnia's capital saw its former Olympic venue fall into total disarray, mostly from a lack of upkeep.

 

#4 Olympic Village, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue

This training pool for the athletes was abandoned shortly after the games.

 

#5 Swimming Pool, Berlin, 1936 Summer Olympics Venue

The swimming pool served as a barracks for the Nazis during WWII and for the Russians after that.  It was abandoned in 1992 when the Russian army withdrew for good.

 

#6 Ski Jumping Tower, Grenoble, France, 1968 Winter Olympic Games

Abandoned with a, still, epic view

 

#7 Olympic Sports Complex, Sarajevo, 1984 Winter Olympics Venue

The land has, since, been converted into a graveyard.

 

#8 Kayak And Canoeing Venue, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue

 

#9 Olympic Canoe And Kayak Slalom Center, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue

View from the complex in 2014

 

#10 Olympic Mascots Lie Unwanted, Beijing, 2008 Summer Olympics

The mascots, like the venues themselves, have little use after the games end.  Here, they like unused behind an unfinished mall in Beijing.

 

#11 Beach Volleyball Venue, Beijing, 2008 Summer Olympics

Deserted and unmaintained in central Beijing, 2012

 

#12 Olympic Flag Posts, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue

 

#13 Main Swimming Pool, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue

Now, undermaintained, the seats lie in mess.

 

#14 Olympic Village, Berlin, 1936 Summer Olympics Venue

Here lies deserted housing for competitors in the 1936 games.

 

#15 Barricades Outside The Stadium, Athens, 2004 Summer Olympics Venue