With Brazilian soccer legend Pele ruled out for health reasons, there remained plenty of suspense heading into Friday’s Opening Ceremony at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. In the end another Brazilian legend, one who displayed incredible sportsmanship in a stunning Olympic moment in Athens 12 years ago, was chosen to light the Olympic cauldron.
Brazilian marathoner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima was the choice to light the cauldron, making the trek up the steps at the Maracanã after receiving the flame from Brazilian basketball legend Hortencia Marcari. Brazilian tennis great Gustavo Kuerten ran the flame into the stadium, with Hortencia being second in the three-person relay to the cauldron.