May 2026

It has already been 10 years since Rio de Janeiro hosted the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. What does the City of Rio plan to celebrate this milestone this summer?

Rio still enjoys its Olympic legacy today, since the entire Legacy Plan was successfully implemented. We delivered more than what had originally been projected for hosting the 2016 Olympic Games and, so now, ten years later, Cariocas are fully aware of — and benefit from — the lasting impact that Rio 2016 has on their daily lives and on the city itself. To mark this 10-year milestone, several celebrations are planned in the city, including an exhibition at the Museum of Tomorrow, which is itself one of the legacies of the Games.

How will the city use this anniversary to activate its Olympic legacy?

Cariocas enjoy the legacy of the Olympic Games today, both in terms of sports and infrastructure. Our 2016 Olympic sports venues remain active and operational. At the Velodrome alone, four thousand people benefit every month from more than 30 free sports classes and cultural programs. At the Olympic Park, the Arena 3 became the first Olympic facility to ever be transformed into a municipal public school, with capacity for one thousand students. These two examples alone give a clear sense of how the Rio 2016 legacy remains alive and active.

In the last years, huge work has been done to renew and transform Olympic venues into facilities and places that are beneficial for the citizens. How was the plan conceived and is it achieved now?

Unfortunately, political factors have delayed the implementation of the Legacy Plan. My successor as Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, between 2017 and 2020, did not carry out any of the planned projects. When I returned to office in 2021, the plan was finally able to move forward. And the plan was so solid that, even after being stalled for four years, it delivered all the benefits envisioned during our Olympic preparations.

For you, what is the most emblematic achievement in this transformation process of Olympic venues or facilities?

The Rio 2016 Games left a lasting mark on Olympic history by introducing a new model of organization focused on cost efficiency and repurpose of facilities. This approach has proven to be highly successful: for every R$1 invested in sports venues, another R$5 was directed toward improvements that primarily benefited residents. As the Games took shape, the city and the daily lives of Cariocas underwent a true transformation.

What are the main legacies inherited from the 2016 Games that show how Olympic Games can act as a gamechanger in host cities?

There are two main legacies to the 2016 Games: the revitalization of the Port Region and the expansion of mobility infrastructure. Rio’s port area was once completely neglected, degraded and largely uninhabited – it has been fully revitalized and reintegrated with the city. By 2030, a total of 30,000 people is expected to be living in the area. In terms of mobility, we were able to deliver greater quality, speed and safety for commuters, while also creating a transportation system that allows residents to travel anywhere in the city once they are within the network.

The City of Rio de Janeiro now serves on the Executive Committee of the World Union for Olympic Cities. What are your expectations regarding the Union and what message would you like to share with Olympic Cities & Olympic legacy stakeholders?

All of us who have been involved in organizing an edition of the Olympic Games understand the anxieties, challenges, joys and achievements that come with the experience. Being part of the Games — whether as a public official, a fan or a citizen of the host country — is truly transformative. That is why exchanging experiences, sharing knowledge and learning from those who have participated in this major event is always valuable. This exchange of ideas is essential, not only for preserving good organizational practices, but also for the continued evolution of the Games themselves. My feeling is one of sharing my experience while continuing to learn from others as well.