The Brazilian Olympic Committee: 100 years book was unveiled as part of the 500 days to go until Rio 2016, which took place at the Organising Committee's headquarters.

The launch event was attended by Brazilian athletes, both past and present, including beach volleyball stars Emanuel Rego, Evandro Junior, Juliana Felisberta, Maria Elisa Antonelli, Adriana Samuel and Pedro Cunha, volleyball players Giovane Gávio, Marcus Vinícius Freire and Bernard Razjman, handball player Duda Amorim, judoka Rafaela Silva and rower Fabiana Beltrame.

Also present were Brazilian Sport Minister George Hilton, Rio de Janeiro State Governor Luiz Fernando Pezão and City Mayor Eduardo Paes.

"In paying tribute to 100 years of COB, we have produced a book that depicts memorable victories in Brazilian sport, magic moments of achievement, excitement and glory for our athletes," said Carlos Nuzman, President of the COB and Rio 2016.

The COB is South America's oldest National Olympic Committee having been formed on June 8, 1914.

Brazil won three shooting medals on its debut in the Olympics, at Antwerp in 1920, including a gold for Guilherme Paraense ©COB



The book looks back at the organisation's history from its inception to the London 2012 Olympics, where it secured its best ever medal haul, with three gold, five silver and nine bronze.

The nation first competed at a Games in Antwerp in 1920, where it claimed three medals - one of each colour - in shooting and the country's athletes have now claimed a total of 108 medals, 23 gold, 30 silver and 55 bronze.

"This book is an important part of the history of Brazilian sport," said Gustavo Borges, a retired swimmer who won four Olympic medals - two silver and two bronze - between the Barcelona 1992 and Sydney 2000 Games.

"For the athletes who played their part in the country's Olympic history, it's a great recognition and a great honour to be in this book, in these beautiful photos.

"Launching it on the day we celebrate 500 days until the Rio Games is perfect."

Only 3,000 copies of the 320-page book will be printed, although copies will be available in public libraries across Rio de Janeiro.

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