Eduardo Paes (right) being presented by his gold Olympic Order by IOC President Thomas Bach ©IOC/Ian Jones

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes and Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman have each been awarded gold Olympic Orders in recognition of their work during the Games which closed here yesterday.

The duo were presented by International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach at a special Olympic breakfast at the Windsor Marapendi hotel this morning.

Rio 2016 chief executive Sidney Levy also received an Olympic Order in silver.

"These were marvellous Olympic Games in the cidade maravilhosa," said Bach.

"The Olympic Games Rio 2016 have shown the best of the Cariocas and Brazilians to the world.

"My heart is full of gratefulness, my heart is full of thanks and my heart is full of admiration for all of you."

Nuzman, a member of the Brazilian volleyball team at Tokyo 1964 and Brazilian Olympic Committee President, has been in charge of Rio 2016 from the time of the successful bid, launched in 2007. 

Paes has also overseen preparations as Mayor and has played an increasingly close role this year when liaising with International Federations over the final stages of preparations.

The politician, booed during the Closing Ceremony last night, has been seen as instrumental for ensuring funding and organisation for the Olympics amid the financial problems that have plagued the host country.

It comes after an event dogged by organisational problems, with Paes having had to commit BRL150 million (£36 million/$46 million/€42 million) of city funds to cover the costs of next month's Paralympic Games.

Rio city and Organising Committee officials were honoured at an Olympic breakfast this morning ©IOC
Rio city and Organising Committee officials were honoured at an Olympic breakfast this morning ©IOC

The Order is the highest award of the Olympic Movement and is only awarded for "particularly distinguished contributions".

Other recipients include former South African and Russian Presidents Nelson Mandela and Boris Yeltsin.

Veteran German official Hans Wilhelm Gäb last month returned an Olympic Order awarded to him in 2006, however, due to the IOC's refusal to give Russia a blanket ban from Rio 2016 following allegations of state sponsored doping.

This had "betrayed the ideals of sport", he claimed.

Praise to organisers was also given by IOC Coordination Commission chair Nawal El Moutawakel at the meeting, who singled out Nuzman for his contribution.

"Brazil and Rio de Janeiro delivered marvellous Olympic Games to the world," the Moroccan said.

"The Olympic Games Rio 2016 will forever be remembered for sporting excellence, the passion and warmth of the Cariocas and for their tremendous legacy to the people of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and South America."

Other organisers were also awarded Olympic Pins for their contribution to the "success of the Games". 

Nuzman, however, later cancelled a scheduled press at short notice to discuss the last 17 days.