Rio chooses 16 Olympic torch bearers from Brazil
Three-time Wimbledon champion Maria Bueno and two-time Olympic volleyball champion Fabiana are among the first 16 of 12,000 torch bearers to be named for the games in Rio de Janeiro.
12,000 will carry torch on 95-day trek leading to opening ceremony August 5
Three-time Wimbledon champion Maria Bueno and two-time Olympic volleyball champion Fabiana are among the first 16 of 12,000 torch bearers to be named for the games in Rio de Janeiro.
All the initial picks by organizers are Brazilians, with Olympic medallists Adriana Behar (beach volleyball), Isabel Swan (sailing) and Gustavo Borges (swimming) also among the 16. Clodoaldo Silva, the winner of six Paralympic swimming golds, will also be involved.
Starting on May 3, the flame will be carried from Brasilia to the opening ceremony at Maracana Stadium on Aug. 5, visiting 329 Brazilian towns and cities over 95 days.
The traditional lighting of the flame will take place in Olympia, Greece, on April 21.