Rio de Janeiro, Aug 21 (IANS) Have the ancient Greek athletes descended at Rio and are they participating in the Olympics? Well, a look at the pristine Abrico Beach here might make one feel so.
Paying homage to the ancient Greeks and promoting naturalism, a group of sporty naturists are vying for medals, competing in their birthday suits at Rio's only nudist beach.
Besides football, beach volleyball, swimming, sprinting and race walking, the other sporting events include tug of war, surfing, and Peteca, a traditional Brazilian sport, played with a hand shuttlecock.
Organisers have described the event a "novel and liberating way that pays tribute to the origins of the sport".
Ancient Greek athletes competed in the buff to display their physical prowess and pay homage to Zeus, the King of the Gods.
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A silver medal more precious than gold
He fought for gold but managed a silver medal. Now Polish discus thrower Piotr Malachowski is hoping that his Rio medal turns out to be far more precious than gold to save the life of a three-year-old child.
The reigning world champion has put on auction his medal to raise money for Olek Szymanski, a Polish toddler diagnosed with retinoblastoma, an eye cancer affecting young children.
"In Rio, I fought for the gold. Today I appeal to everyone -- let's fight together about something that is even more precious. The health of this fantastic boy. So you are all invited to the auction," Malachowski said on Facebook.
"I invite everybody to join the bidding. If you help me, my silver medal may be more valuable for Olek than gold," he said.
The auction ends on August 26.
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Olympian walker pooped in pants but won hearts
The Olympics are not just about winning medals -- they are as much about displaying sporting valour. French champion race walker Yohann Diniz is one such who is being hailed for finishing the race battling severe gastrointestinal issues.
Competing in the daunting 50 kilometre walk, record holder Diniz, collapsed and took a break but resumed racing in the arduous event.
During the final stages, he appeared to have pooped in his pants and was seen using a sponge to wipe his behind.
While some people on social media trolled him for the embarrassing moment, there were many who saluted and applauded his valour to finish the race.
"How about instead of laughing at #YohannDiniz and making poop jokes, we praise him for not giving up despite clearly being ill," said a twitter user.
--IANS
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