Hometown Hype

Famous names abound in the Brazilian sailing squad set to start racing next week in the Olympics.

When Robert Scheidt, 5-time Olympic medalist in the Laser and Star class, ascended the stage to take the Olympic oath on behalf of the athletes at the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremonies, both the Brazilian team and their international competition paid full attention. It was a huge moment for the sport of sailing and for Scheidt, who is a household name in Brazil. His name and face is now tantamount to the Rio Olympic Games, and of the sport of Olympic sailing.

Scheidt will sail in his home waters when the Laser begins competition on August 8, and attempt to break the record for most medals held by a single sailor. In past Games he was tapped as a medal contendor early on, and while the local knowledge swings decisively in his favor, Scheidt predicts Great Britain’s Nick Thompson will be his greatest threat on the course. “It may be the first Olympics where I’m not arriving as the favorite,” he says.

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