“Rio 2016 is ready to welcome the world,” according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) official who has been leading the monitoring of the city's preparations over the last seven years. Speaking after her final pre-Games visit to the city, Nawal El Moutawakel, chair of the IOC's coordination commission for Rio 2016, said: “Rio de Janeiro will be the place to be this August.”

Ready for action: see dazzling new photos of Rio 2016 venues

Following her last round of venue visits and talks with representatives of the city, state and federal governments, El Moutawakel said the infrastructure was now ready to host the first Olympic Games in South America. “The Olympians of 2016 can look forward to living in an outstanding Olympic Village and competing in absolutely stunning venues. From views of the Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountain to the new state-of-the-art facilities in Barra or Deodoro and the iconic Maracanã Stadium and Copacabana beach, I cannot imagine more spectacular backdrops for the world’s top sportsmen and women to showcase their talents to a watching world.”

Olympic rings painted on running track in Olympic Stadium

El Moutawakel at the Olympic Hockey Centre in Deodoro (Photo: Rio 2016/Alexandre Loureiro)

El Moutawakel, who made history in 1984 when she won gold in the 400m hurdles for Morocco to become the first Muslim woman to win an Olympic medal, also said the famously welcoming atmosphere of Rio would be a highlight of the Games. “Brazilians are a very warm and hospitable people who know how to welcome guests and how to live life to the fullest. Spectators visiting Rio this August will be able to fully experience that spirit.”

The IOC praised the legacy that the Games will leave to Rio, highlighting the new metro line that will link the city centre and beachside tourist areas with the main Olympic zone in Barra, and the new rapid bus transit (BRT) line that will link Barra with Deodoro, the second-largest venue cluster. New sports and educational facilities for the local population, improved waste management and training for thousands of workers and volunteers will also be among the legacies. “The Brazilians have transformed the city through a legacy vision that they have made a reality... by creating a legacy that will benefit local citizens and the whole country for decades,” said El Moutawakel.

El Moutawakel with IOC executive director Christophe Dubi at the Beach Volleyball Areana in Copacabana (Photo: Rio 2016/Alexandre Loureiro)

The IOC also reaffirmed that local authorities and Games organisers were working hard to minimise the already low risk presented by zika during the Games, and stressed that World Health Organisation advice states “there should be no general restrictions on travel and trade with countries, areas and/or territories with zika virus transmission, including the cities in Brazil that will be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games”. Also highlighted was the massive operation being mounted to ensure security during the Games, with experts from 55 countries involved.

Visitors to Rio would also experience a city with a unique spirit that is being decorated with the ‘look of the Games’ and has had its historic city centre waterfront area rejuventaed ahead of the Games, said the IOC.

Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman said: “We are obviously very proud that we are ready to welcome the world and we can also see the transformation of Rio everywhere we go. A lot of work lies ahead of us but we have plenty of energy. We will deliver great Games.”

El Moutawakel with Nuzman at the Olympic Tennis Centre in Barra (Photo: Rio 2016/Alexandre Loureiro)