Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima became the final torch bearer of the 2016 torch relay on Friday night, as he officially began the 2016 Rio Olympics by lighting the Olympic Cauldron at Maracana Stadium.
You can watch video of what will surely be an iconic moment in both Brazilian and sports history above.
De Lima, 46, was robbed of gold–but still took bronze–in the marathon at the 2004 Athens Games after he was attacked by an Irish priest with only a couple miles left in the race. He was later awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal for sportsmanship by the International Olympic Committee and quickly became a symbol of perseverance and courage.
Many were thrilled to see him receive the honor of lighting the Cauldron:
There was speculation that the honor would go to Brazilian tennis legend Gustavo Kuerten, but he instead brought the torch into the stadium.
It was also believed for a while that legendary footballer Pele would light the Cauldron, but the 75-year-old announced Friday that he wasn’t able to accept the honor due to health concerns.
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