Rio de Janeiro, Aug 15 (IANS) AUsain Bolt's fans, who were unable to procure a ticket to watch the Jamaican record a hattrick of the 100 m sprint gold at the Olympic stadium, instead partied at the Jamaica House in the Rio Jockey Club.
Even Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness joined them. "I'm proud of Usain Bolt, he's a once in a century kind of athlete, he demonstrates what humankind can do with hard work and commitment," he said.
Draped in the Caribbbean nation's black, green and gold flag, the fans sang and danced through the night.
The gathering was truly multi-cultural -- Jamiacans, Brazilians, Dutch, Englishmen.
Dutch rower Olivier Siegelaar, the bronze winner in the men's eight competition on Friday, was one of the revelers. "Usain is a legend. he's incredible, without precedent," said the Bolt admirer, also showing off his own medal.
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Rio sex workers offer discounts
As the Games move into the last week, the 12,000 sex workers in Rio are offering discounts upto 50 percent to lure customers, especially foreigners.
But the business, they say, is far from what they had expected.
Vila Mimosa, Rio's biggest red light district about 1.7 km from the Maracana stadium, has been hit by a recession with fewer customers daring to pay a visit for fear of getting mugged on the road. The city reportedly saw 2,000 murders in the first seven months of the year.
Translated into English as "The City of Tender Love," sex workers of the district have slashed prices from 75 reals (Rs 1,500) to 40 reals, hoping to draw more men willing to have some "fun" in the large number of shady bars in the area.
They have come up with posters in English, Portuguese and other languages with the reduced rates printed on them.
Prostitution is legal for those over 18 years in Brazil, but it is illegal to operate a brothel.
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The human emoji
Gymnast Laurie Hernandez is a celebrity less as a member of the gold-winning US women's squad, but more for her lovable mannerisms. A trademark wink and animated facial expressions has endeared the 16-year-old to sports buffs the world over.
Hernandez has become a rage on the internet -- and nicknamed "The Human Emoji".
She winks for the judges before performing her routine in the gymnastics ring. Then there is a wink for the cameras once she sees her score.
Combined with her facial expressions in the run-up to the performances, and the compeption mantra of "I got this", the social media is drooling over the teenager.
--IANS
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