Olympic Games 2016 – Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima lights the Olympic cauldron

The former Brazilian marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro lit the Olympic cauldron on Friday evening, at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janiero. He lit it a little before midnight (5am Belgian time) as part of the Olympic Games opening ceremony. The athlete got the Pierre de Coubertin medal after the 2004 Olympic Games, for his fair-play spirit during the games in Athens. He was attacked by a spectator when leading the Olympic marathon. He was given the honour of being the final Olympic torch relay runner. The torch was bought into the Maracana stadium by former tennis player Gustavo Kuerten, who passed it to Hortencia Marcari. Pelé, the Brazilian football legend, was supposed be the final relay runner. During the week, he himself announced the organisers had invited him to carry the Olympic flame and light the cauldron. On Friday, he revealed he wouldn’t be able to because of pain in his hip.

The former Brazilian marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro lit the Olympic cauldron on Friday evening, at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janiero.

He lit it a little before midnight (5am Belgian time) as part of the Olympic Games opening ceremony.

The athlete got the Pierre de Coubertin medal after the 2004 Olympic Games, for his fair-play spirit during the games in Athens. He was attacked by a spectator when leading the Olympic marathon. He was given the honour of being the final Olympic torch relay runner. The torch was bought into the Maracana stadium by former tennis player Gustavo Kuerten, who passed it to Hortencia Marcari.

Pelé, the Brazilian football legend, was supposed be the final relay runner. During the week, he himself announced the organisers had invited him to carry the Olympic flame and light the cauldron. On Friday, he revealed he wouldn’t be able to because of pain in his hip.


The author: Margareta STROOT

Margareta Stroot, a multi-talented individual, calls Brussels her home. With a unique blend of careers, she balances her time as a part-time journalist and a part-time real estate agent. Margareta's deep-rooted knowledge of the city of Brussels, where she resides, has proven invaluable in both of her roles. Her journalism captures the essence of the city, while her real estate expertise helps others find their perfect homes in the vibrant Belgian capital.

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