Despite Rio’s Zika, Stillwater Olympic Competitor Worries Only 'About What I'm There to Do'

Media coverage of Rio de Janeiro's potential security issues, poor water quality and dreaded Zika virus hasn't fazed Stillwater native and 2016 Olympic Games competitor, Ben Blankenship.

He and other participating athletes shared their thoughts about the locale prior to Friday night's opening ceremonies, according to a Pioneer Press report.

"To start being concerned about everything that’s happening, I just don’t worry about it,” Blankenship said. “I can only worry about my job and what I’m there to do.”

, who will run in the 1,500 meters.

The 2007 Stillwater Area High School graduate will run the 1,500-meter race in his first Olympics. He posted a time of 3:36:18 on July 10 in order to qualify, said the Stillwater Gazette.

The Summer Games begin Aug. 7 and end Aug. 21. Track and field events are set for week two. Blankenship takes to the track on Tuesday, Aug. 16 for the first 1,500-meter race. Semifinals are scheduled for Aug. 18 and finals, Aug. 20.