We have listed 10 athletes for whom Rio 2016 will likely be their last Olympic Games. The stage is set…
Usain Bolt
The Jamaican sprint superstar will attempt an unprecedented ‘triple triple’ in Rio, where he will seek to defend the titles of 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay that he won at the Beijing 2008 Games and maintained in London 2012. If successful, Bolt will have strong arguments to be considered the greatest track athlete of all time, which would be a beautiful way to celebrate his 30th birthday on the day of the closing ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. He recently stated that he intends to retire from athletics in 2017.
Tiago Camilo
The Brazilian judoka, world champion in 2007, has two Olympic medals (silver in Sydney 2000 and bronze in Beijing 2008) and hopes to finally win gold in front of his home crowd at Rio 2016, after which his judogi will go into the closet.
Lauren Jackson
With three silvers and two bronzes in the Olympics, the 33-year-old Australian basketball star has already declared that Rio 2016 will be the “perfect farewell” to the sport.
Serena Williams
The 33-year-old American tennis legend has won 19 Grand Slam titles, placing her ahead of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova on the all-time list, with only Steffi Graf ahead with 22. Serena is also tied at the top as the greatest Olympic gold medalist – she has four, alongside her sister Venus – and will defend her women’s singles title at Rio 2016 before aiming for retirement.
Tamika Catchings
The 35-year-old Catchings has stood atop the podium at the last three Olympic Games as part of the invincible U.S. women’s basketball team. The WNBA star has confirmed that she plans to retire after seeking her fourth gold at the Rio 2016 Games.
Robert Scheidt
The most successful Brazilian Olympian – with two golds, two silvers, and one bronze in sailing – the 41-year-old athlete has already stated that he will hang up his sails after competing in the waters of Guanabara Bay in 2016.
Yelena Isinbayeva
The Russian, widely regarded as the greatest female pole vaulter of all time, returned to training after having a baby and aims to compete for her third gold at the Rio 2016 Games when she will be 34 years old. The Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 champion is determined to return to the top of the podium after finishing third in London 2012.
Bradley Wiggins
The 34-year-old cyclist – the first Briton to win the Tour de France – has won four Olympic golds, plus one silver and two bronzes – both on the track and road. After starting in the velodrome, Wiggins dominated the road and now plans to return to the track in Rio. If he wins an eighth medal, he will become the most decorated British Olympian of all time.
Federica Pellegrini
Despite being only 26 years old, the Italian swimmer has confirmed that she will retire from the pool after Rio 2016 to focus on family life. The first female Olympic champion from her country, Pellegrini will compete in her fourth Games.
Lin Dan
Considered by many to be the greatest singles badminton player of all time, Lin Dan became the first Olympic champion to defend his title by defeating Malaysian Lee Chong Wei in the epic final of London 2012. The Chinese player has denied retirement rumors and confirmed that he will seek a third consecutive gold in Rio, shortly after turning 33.
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Actor Juca de Oliveira Dies at 91
Brazil lost one of the most prominent names in national performing arts in the early hours of this Saturday (21). Actor, author, and director Juca de Oliveira passed away at 91 years old in São Paulo, victim of pneumonia associated with a cardiac condition. The information was confirmed by the family’s press office to TV…