Brazilian women have good reasons to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March. Brazil has made considerable progress towards gender equality in recent years, and an example of this was the large female participation and their record victories at the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In Rio de Janeiro, the date will be commemorated with a Women’s Run around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, a stunning lake that is one of Rio 2016’s planned Olympic venues.

Of the 277 Brazilian athletes in Beijing, 133 were women. Together, they achieved the best ever Olympic results for Brazilian women. Judoka Ketleyn Quadros won bronze in the under-57 kg category, becoming the first individual Brazilian woman to win a medal at the Olympic Games. She believes that this victory has had a positive influence on sport. “This achievement has changed the face of female judo in Brazil,” said Quadros. “We can already sense a greater female participation on the tatami. My medal shows that, when we go for it, we can attain our objectives. The preparation for Beijing was very good; we took part in various competitions. Female judo has come a long way in the last 15 years.”

Quadros supports Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and believes in cariocas’ organizational capacity. “The event will be a success. Having the Games here would bring many benefits for future generations,” she said. She believes that Olympic athletes are models to be emulated. “We athletes are opinion-formers. When I came back from Beijing, I was swamped by kids. That’s why I think the Rio Games will be an opportunity to positively influence young people.”

Another important victory at the Beijing Games was obtained by the women’s volleyball team. They won the first Olympic gold medal in group sports for Brazilian women. For Fabiana, one of the victorious team members, this was the fulfillment of her greatest dream. She believes that women are doing increasingly well. “This title was very important for me. Generally Brazilian men have got the glory, and this is now changing. We’re catching up on the men.”

The middle blocker believes that holding the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro would greatly help to develop the city and Brazil. “The Olympic Games would be an opportunity to transform the city and country. During the Pan American Games, the Brazilian supporters showed all their love for sport. South America has never held the Olympic Games, and Rio 2016 would certainly be a great opportunity to develop sport in the country.”

Cariocas’ passion for sport can be seen throughout the city, particularly at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, an iconic location ideally suited to host Olympic rowing competitions, as planned by Rio 2016. The lake will provide a backdrop for a further celebration of Women’s Day: on 22 March, a Women’s Race will be held around it. In 2008, 1,200 women took part in the 7.6km race, which can be performed running or walking.