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06 - 21
August 2016
06/08/2016
News
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Former basketball Olympians on hand for Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - It's been over 20 years since Brazil greats Oscar Schmidt, Adriana Santos and Hortencia Marcari last played in the Olympics, but on Friday they made sure to show their Olympic spirit during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games' Opening Ceremony.

A packed Maracana Stadium erupted when five-time Olympian and FIBA Hall of Fame Inductee Schmidt was introduced as one of the Olympic flag bearers.

Schmidt, known in the basketball circles as the Holy Hand for his scoring prowess, entered the Olympics history books by setting an Olympics record for most points scored (55) in a game at the 1988 Olympics.

Santos, who played at the Barcelona 1992 Games and now serves as the director of Brazil's women's national team, took the Olympic oath on behalf of all coaches at the Rio Games.

Hortencia, otherwise known as the Queen of Basketball in her native Brazil, received the Olympic torch from Tennis legend champion Gustavo Kuerten before she handed it to Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima who lit the flame at the majestic Macarana stadium.

She later described it as "a moment of pride. Brazil has been capable of showing the world that it is capable." 

FIBA