The Games, the first to be held in South America, have also been disrupted by concerns over the Russian doping scandal, the Zika virus and problems with the city’s security, infrastructure and venues.
The 2016 Olympic Games were formally opened in a colourful and pulsating ceremony at Rio’s Maracana stadium.
Wimbledon champion Andy Murray led the British team into the arena.
The build-up to Rio 2016 has been played out against a deep recession and political protests in Brazil.
But organisers will hope the focus can now shift to the action in 28 sports, with 207 teams, after the Games of the 31st Olympiad were officially opened.
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