Olympic Torch Relay moves on in style

The Olympic flame has continued its creative journey around Brazil, carried over waves and wheels.

On Monday 11 July, it took to the sea as it visited the island capital of Florianopolis in Santa Catarina, in the safe hands of Olympic rower Anderson Nocetti and sailor Bruno Fontes.

“I’m really backing the Games in Rio,” said Anderson, who won Brazil’s first Rowing World Cup medal and took part in four Olympics. “It will be a milestone in the history of the sport in our country.” Bruno added: “I am delighted to be part of this moment. I have been sailing for almost 30 years and to carry the Olympic flame tops off my entire career in sports.”

Relais de la flamme olympique - Jour 71 Rio 2016 / André Luiz Mello

The relay then passed through six towns on its way to Blumenau, famous for its German heritage and traditions.

Among the other athletes to carry the torch was Célia Neis, the first athlete from the state of Santa Catarina to win a gold medal at the Brazilian School Games, as well as Suélen Oliveira, record-breaking Paralympic athlete in the 100m, 200m and 400m.

At the end of the day, the cauldron was lit in Blumenau’s Pavilhão da Vila Germânica, or German Village Pavillion, with a performance from the Cavalinho band, a regular at the city’s Oktoberfest.

Relais de la flamme olympique - Jour 69 Rio 2016 / André Luiz Mello

On 13 July, the flame bid farewell to Santa Catarina with a final stop in the city of Joinville, completing its tour of 23 of Brazil’s state along with the federal district.

Along the way, it visited Jaraguá do Sul where 30,000 people turned out to see the flame and dance band Scar gave a special performance using Rio 2016 as its theme.

Relais de la flamme olympique - Jour 72 Rio 2016 / André Luiz Mello

Former 400m athlete Cornélia Caglioni, who was voted the town’s personality of the century, was selected to carry the torch in honour of a long sporting career in which she narrowly missed out on Olympic qualification.

“I tried to participate in the Olympic Games for 18 years and I could not, but today, I managed to play my part,” she wept.

“I hope this flame, which has already ended old wars, brings more understanding and tolerance for our world, which is so needed.”

Three-times skating World Champion Karen Jonz was also among the Torchbearers and said: “I've been through a lot, been barred from competitions for being a woman. But I think it was good, because my experience ended up paving the way for other girls, who no longer face this today.”

The Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay has three Presenting Partners: Worldwide TOP Partner Coca-Cola, which continues its longstanding support for Olympic torch relays, and local Partners Bradesco and Nissan. For further information, please visit the Rio 2016 website.