Brazil has not had the easiest of run-in as the opening ceremony approaches for the XXXI Olympiad. The Games are taking place against a backdrop of social unrest, unpaid workers and a political scandal engulfing the government.

Security measures at the Rio 2016 Olympic games are in place ahead of Friday evening’s opening ceremony.

Athletes and visitors arriving in Rio for the Olympics are getting a colourful welcome – thanks to some amazing street art!

Chris Froome will lead the Great Britain team as he bids to emulate the feat of compatriot Bradley Wiggins in the Olympic cycling road race on Saturday.

The Rio Games will be the first to host athletes competing under the flag of Kosovo, which proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2008.

Britain’s World road race champion Lizzie Armitstead has been cleared to compete at the Rio Olympics after winning an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.