Maurício Mendes Pinto, deputy secretary for Sport and Leisure in Rio de Janeiro, claimed an alligator had been found at the site at a public hearing in Brasilla.

The official was present at a public hearing to discuss the Olympic legacy, where he claimed wildlife was now residing in the water tank of the canoe slalom course in Deodoro Olympic Park.

 “At the moment, there is an emergency contracting process in parallel to the project in which the Confederation would use the tank,” Pinto said, according to Lancenet.

“The Secretariat is aware of the problem but does not want to put the population at risk.

“To get an idea, even an alligator was found there.”

When contacted by insidethegames, Andrada expressed that he believe it is unlikely for an alligator to have been found at the venue.

“It’s very hard to confirm this allegation,” he told insidethegames.

“Firstly, because there is no water around the former Olympic Park in Deodoro where the alligator could come from.

“Secondly, because the area around the canoe slalom venue is fenced.

“We don’t [want] people swimming there without a proper lifesaving system.

“To my knowledge, it is impossible for alligators to be found there.”

Part of the Deodoro Olympic Park was returned to the military and is being used by them and is also being used as the Brazilian Olympic Committee's training centre.

The section of the Park containing the BMX and canoe slalom venues was closed in January when a management contract came to an end.

However, it is claimed it could open again by the end of June after a tender process.

A cost evaluation is reportedly being made of the canoe slalom venue by the administration of Marcelo Crivella, who became Rio Mayor in January.

It is hoped the BMX and canoe slalom facilities could be used for leisure activities and high performance training in the future.