During the Beijing Olympic Games in August, Janeth starred as an ambassador for Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Double Olympic medalist (silver in Atlanta 96 and bronze in Sydney 2000) and world champion in 1994, the ex-basketball player is once more wearing the campaign shirt as she plays a key role in Rio 2016’s presentation to the General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees, this Friday in Istanbul, Turkey.

The support of champion athletes is a major element in Rio 2016’s official presentations. Pelé was applauded at the assembly of the Olympic Committees of the Americas when he revealed that the only frustration in his three-time World Cup winning career was not to have competed in the Olympic Games. At the Asian Olympic Committee meeting, Adriana Behar, seven-time beach volleyball world champion, spoke of her pride in having two Olympic silver medals.

“Athletes support the Rio 2016 campaign because they understand the importance of this project. I was inspired to play basketball by seeing my idols compete in the Olympic Games. Giving Brazil and South America the chance to stage this event for the first time will guarantee that thousands of young people will have experiences that only sport can provide,” explained Janeth, four-time WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) champion.

In addition to Janeth, the Rio 2016 team in Istanbul includes President Carlos Arthur Nuzman and Secretary General Carlos Roberto Osório. The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Sérgio Cabral, mayor-elect of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes and the Ministry of Sport’s Djan Madruga. Also attended the event, demonstrating once more the project’s backing at all three levels of government. “The union of athletes and political leaders with the Rio bid commission reinforces the seriousness and quality of the project. Together, we will show that Rio de Janeiro and Brazil is worthy of hosting the 2016 Olympic Games,” said Nuzman.