7 Facts About the Rio Olympics You Didn’t Know

Despite the threat of the Zika virus, the 2016 Olympics will go ahead in Rio de Janeiro this summer. We can’t anticipate which flags will fly high from Aug 5 to 21, but one thing is for sure, the home of carnival, stringy swimwear and bossa nova isn’t about to let the first Olympiad to be held in South America play out without a roar. Here are some intriguing points to whet your Games appetite before the opening ceremony.

US$1 = S$1.35

(RELATED: Travelling To Rio for the Olympics? Check Out These 3 Essential Guides.)

Kosovo & South Sudan

Newly independent since 2008 and 2011 respectively, these countries will be competing in the Games for the first time.

60 K Estimated number of meals a day that will be prepared to feed the athletes. While they will cater to all cultures, Brazilian staples like rice and black beans and barbecued meat, tapioca, pao de queijo (cheese bread) and acai (an Amazonian fruit and so-called superfood) will take centre stage.

RIO

LONDON

Ticket Prices

US$11 to US$1,300

US$30 to US$1,000

Average Disposable

Household Income

US$960 a month

in Brazil

US$2,220 a month

in Britain

MILLENNIUM ATHLETES

The Rio Games will be the first to feature athletes born in the noughties. Olympic rules state that competitors must be at least 13 years old and they did not qualify for the last edition in London four years ago.

REFUGEES FLY OLYMPIC FLAG

For the first time, refugees who have been forced to flee their countries will compete in the Games under the Olympic flag. Six male and four female athletes from South Sudan, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia were given the go-ahead by the International Olympic Committee last month.

US$11 BILLION Cost of the Rio Games. It is the fourth most expensive edition in Olympic history, after the 2014 Sochi Winter Games (US$51 billion), and the 2008 Beijing (US$44 billion) and 2004 Athens (US$15 billion) Summer Olympics.

92 Years

112 Years

The last time rugby was an Olympic sport. The Sevens, instead of the 15-a-side competition, will be played this time around.

The last time golf appeared in the Games. It was included only twice previously, in 1900 and 1904.

Heroes: First and Last Stands

Three stars to look out for during this Olympics.