Olympic champion at Athens 2004, horse rider Rodrigo Pessoa was the last person to bear Rio 2016's torch on it's mammoth relay. "It's a fantastic emotion. I have a lot of Olympic emotions, a gold medal, bearing the flag, but this is special. I loved it."

Even a clone of the character "O Máskara" made an appearance at the Olympic torch relay in Campo Grande, the West Zone of Rio, and caught the attention of the crowd.

Pedrinho, a Vasco da Gama legend, participated in the relay. "Carrying the torch is a really proud and happy moment. This will truly remain with me forever."

Actress Sheron Menezes was overcome with emotion as she ran with the Olympic flame in Rio and called upon the Brazilian fans at the Olympic Games; "The athletes dedicate their lives to sport and now they need us."

Anjelina Lohalith fled war in South Sudan at 6 years old. Today, now 21, she is part of the refugee team, competing in the 1500m. "The torch is a symbol of peace and hope for all people. I hope that it shines a light on our cause."

Filipino boxer, Charly Suarez is a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medallist and now he goes in search of the Olympic title. "To carry the torch in Rio is something I never imagined. I will remember this with pride for the rest of my life."

Luigi Teilemb, 24, will be representing Vanuatu in the rowing. "I come from a country that few know about so it's like we are all here, living this dream," said the athlete who received the flame in front of the Olympic Memorial.

I medal hopeful in the sailing event, Ceci Wollman, 18, represents Bermuda. "I was at the welcome ceremony when I found out I would be carrying the torch. I never thought I'd get to experience something like this," she said.

Kefasi Chitsala, 23 from Malawi, competes in the 5000m. "I represent my country and the African continent. I will come back from Rio after having experiencing some of the best moments of my life. And the Games haven't even started yet."

Son of Olympic medallists Vilmos Szabo and Reka Lazăr, Romanian-born German-naturalised fencer Matyas Szabo will go after his first medal at Rio 2016, in the individual sabre category. "I am ready to represent my country in this symbol of unity."

Representing the volunteers' team, Arthur Pedroso has worked in the Village since it opened and says he never imagined that one day he would be a torchbearer. "It's a symbol of unity, and because of that it's a pleasure to be a part of this," he said

Brazilian surfing icon, Rico de Souza opened the day carrying the torch on a surfboard, celebrating the anouncement that surfing will be an Olympic sport at Tokyo 2020.