Daiane dos Santos, Brazil’s first world champion in artistic gymnastics, knows what it is like to thrill the crowd by leaping and flying through the air. However, the three-time Olympian also knows that an athlete on their own would not even get off the ground.   

“To host a big event, we need athletes, we need facilities... and but first and foremost we need volunteers,” she said. “Without them, the competition simply would not happen.”

Dos Santos, who is supporting the Rio 2016 Volunteers Programme, won the 2003 world title in the floor event, and also competed at the Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games. She says that the successes she had in her career would not have been possible without the work of the volunteers behind the scenes.

“They are so passionate,” she said. “In any championship, wherever it is held, the volunteers are always so enthusiastic. You can see in their eyes how proud they are to be part of the event. They are essential. Without them, there would be no event.”

Dos Santos delighted and inspired crowds, especially in Rio during the 2004 leg of the world cup, with her performance to the music entitled Brasileirinho (Little Brazilian). But she points out that athletes also sometimes need someone to inspire them, and in many cases, this person is a volunteer.

“A volunteer is someone who is ready to help at any time when you need something,” she said. “Someone who inspires you when you are talking just before the decisive moment, who feels the same thrill and cheers you on. On many occasions contact with volunteers is so close, it feels like you’ve been friends since childhood.”

Dos Santos retired in 2012 so will not be competing at Rio 2016, but having won a silver medal at the 2007 Pan-American Games in the city, she knows what athletes can expect in two years’ time. “The happy atmosphere that cariocas create is really cool,” she said. “Rio is a very active city, people are always out and about running, playing sports, cycling, walking, whether young or old. In 2016, they will be able see the Games up close in a spectacular natural setting, unique to Brazil.”

Along with Dos Santos, Brazilian Olympic swimming star César Cielo and Paralympic icon Terezinha Guilhermina have also been spreading the message about the Rio 2016 Volunteer Programme. You can apply now to be one of the 70,000 volunteers who help stage the first Olympic and Paralympic Games in South America.

“Whenever we finish an event, we always thank the volunteers who helped stage it behind the scenes,” said Dos Santos. “There is no greater pleasure than seeing their smiles of satisfaction when we win a medal. If I could, I would say a big thank you and give a kiss and hug to each one of them. I think that’s the only way we could really convey our feelings for them.”