Rio 2016 Olympics chief Carlos Nuzman says ‘every day a final’

Protestors are calling for social and political change in Brazil, with some questioning the money that has been spent on securing the two biggest global sports events within two years of each other – the World Cup and the Olympics.

Now 71, Nuzman represented Brazil at volleyball at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics before going on to lead the sport’s national governing body for 20 years.

Elected to the IOC in 1995, he is now intent on delivering a memorable Olympics for Rio, having been in charge of the city’s successful bid campaign.

He is convinced Brazilians are happy to stage the Games and believes there will be no further disruption to the tight schedule Rio is now operating under because of future unrest.

“This will not impact the preparations for the Games,” Nuzman explained. “We are absolutely confident in this.

“The reaction of the public and the research that we have is everyone is in favour of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

He is reluctant to put a figure on what the budget for the Games is now, but believes the Brazilian people will get value for money.

“We are finalising the budget,” he said. “One thing that Rio will leave as a legacy is that we’ll organise a very well done Games in very good financial conditions, less than all the former organisers.”