UM swimmer faces threat no athlete can prepare for at Rio 2016

Former University of Michigan Wolverine distance swimmer Sean Ryan will face a threat in Rio that no athlete can prepare for: he will compete in the swimming marathon off Copacabana beach.

The 6.2 mile race presents a more hostile environment than the safety and comfort of a 50-meter pool.

He may confront what he calls the critters in the sea like sharks and jelly fish, but he says, with a shrug, "You just have to swim through it."

But Rio presents what could be a more dangerous threat, extremely high levels of drug-resistant super bacteria in garbage and human waste flowing untreated into Rio's waterways.

The bacteria is linked to urinary, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and bloodstream infections, even meningitis. 

Related: 'Super bacteria' discovered in Rio's waters as Olympics near

An investigation last year recorded disease-causing viruses in some tests more than one million times the level of what would be considered hazardous on a beach in the United States.

Ryan says he will put his faith in Team USA coaches, trainers, and doctors that conditions are safe when American athletes compete in Rio.

"I'll let them worry about that. I'll worry about swimming the best race I can," Ryan said. 

Watch Ryan's interview above.Â