Cleber Nelson Raphaelli played football professionally for 17 years and today he is a coach of club XV Piraciaba (SP). "After so many emotions in my career, so many teams, so many things I gave up for sport, I'm rewarded with the torch," he said.

Gabriela Castro dos Santos, 29, has been a dancer for 11 years. She gives classes in six schools in Porto Alegre. She is a chreographer and has represented Brazil internationally. "I'm gonna give a little tap dance with the torch," she joked.

Inspired by his grandmother, Fernando Aguzzoli, created the Facebook page Vovó Nilva (Granny Nilva), to discuss Alzheimers, as well as launching a book of talks on the subject. "With this, I remember my grandma. I watched the last Games with her.".

Not even the cold coud deter kids coming out to see the torch relay pass through São Lourenço do Sul.

Dirceu Hartwig, 49, is a cycling pioneer in his region. It's not by chance that he carries the torch whilst atop a bike. "The emotion is indescribable. Even more because I'm carrying the torch whilst using sporting equipment such as this bicycle."

At 16 years old, cyclist Bruna Elias is already two-time Brazilian champion and a Pan-American silver medalist. "I'd love to participate at the Olympics. Tokyo is still too soon. But who knows? My time might come in 2024."

Gaúchas welcome the Olympic flame during the torch relay in São Lourenço do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul, this Thursday (7 July).