Rio 2016 Games must have a Brazilian flavour, says Olympic legend Michael Johnson
American sprinter says world wants to learn about the country through the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Michael Johnson holds the 400m world record (Alex Ferro/Rio 2016™)
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Olympic sprinting legend Michael Johnson believes the Rio 2016 Games will provide a stage for Brazil to show its best to the world.
The American, who won four Olympic gold medals and still holds the 400m world record, was in Rio de Janeiro for the Laureus World Sport Awards on Monday.
As a Laureus Academy member, he helped decide the winners of the ‘Oscars of sport’. However, he took time out for an interview with the Rio 2016 website and said he believes the next summer Games should be delivered with a distinctly Brazilian flavour.
“People don’t want to see Brazil try to be something else – they want to come here and experience Brazil and it’s an opportunity for the country to host the world and show them what Brazil is all about as a country,” he said.
Johnson stressed that hosting the Games is a difficult task but said that the “great atmosphere” of Rio de Janeiro would help the event be a success.
