Robert Scheidt carries the hopes of the host nation in the Rio 2016 sailing competition, in the same way that Ben Ainslie did for British fans at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Brazilian sailor heads into his sixth Olympic Games, this time on home territory, and his goal is to claim a sixth Olympic medal. If he does it, Scheidt would become the athlete with the most medals in the history of Olympic sailing.

Sailors welcome announcement of courses and schedule for Rio 2016 Olympic regatta

It would also establish him as the most decorated Brazilian athlete, and the only one with six medals. If he clinches gold in the Laser class, he will become the only Brazilian sportsman to hold three gold medals.

Scheidt first experienced Olympic glory 20 years ago, but now, at 43 he is not regarded as the favourite for the Rio 2016 Laser event. “I don’t have the dominance I used to have,” he says. He may have doubts, but the promise of Olympic legend status and the energy from home fans could yet thrust him to the top of the podium.