Rio readies for Olympic spotlight
While opening ceremonies are Friday, Rio 2016 Olympics competition began today with matches in women’s soccer. Meanwhile, other athletes held practices, team welcoming ceremonies were held, and the Olympic torch neared the end of its journey.
- An Olympic torch bearer runs through the city center as the Olympic flame is paraded through Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The Olympic flame landed by boat in Rio de Janeiro to a welcome committee of samba dancers, cheering crowds and small protests ahead of the opening ceremony. (YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images)
- Athletes warm up during rowing team practices in Lagoa ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Wednesday. (Matt York/AP)
- Workers pose with the Rings at the Olympic Park ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Wednesday. (JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)
- Team People’s Republic of China athletes for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games attend their welcome ceremony at the Athletes village on Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
- A Brazilian gymnast practices on the rings of the men’s Artistic gymnastics during a practice session at the Olympic Arena on Wednesday ahead of competition in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)
- Toys on sale at the Rio 2016 Megastore on Copacabana Beach on Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Harry How/Getty Images)
- Carrie Smith and Jaime Ryan of Australia in action during Women’s 470 training at the at Marina da Gloria on Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
- South Africa’s Refiloe Jane, left, controls the ball, challenged by Sweden’s Fridolina Rolfo during the opening match of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament between Sweden and South Africa at the Rio Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Wednesday. (Leo Correa/AP)
- Cycling practice on Wednesday, three days ahead the men road cycling event of the Rio Olympic games. (ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP/Getty Images)
- A pair of synchronized divers from Mexico practice during a training session Wednesday at the Maria Lenk Aquatic Center ahead of the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)