Four-time Olympic gold medallist Summer Sanders has carried the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch through Brazilian city Curitiba today ©USOC

Four-time Olympic medallist Summer Sanders has carried the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch through Brazilian city Curitiba today.

The American, who won all four of her medals, including two golds, at Barcelona 1992, did so on behalf of Team USA with just 22 days to go until the Opening Ceremony.

"I could not be more grateful and thrilled for the chance to participate in the Rio Olympic Torch Relay and to carry the spirit of Team USA with me through Brazil," Sanders said.

"Brazil is a beautiful, vibrant country full of such warm-hearted and passionate people, and I cannot imagine better hosts or a better backdrop for the world’s greatest sporting event.

"It’s an honour to participate in something so meaningful that is uniting so many, and I’d like to thank Rio 2016 for this extraordinary opportunity."

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and Team USA athletes are sharing their excitement ahead of Rio 2016 using #WeLoveRio.

On June 23, the USOC marked Olympic Day by launching a new highlight video featuring Team USA athletes and celebrities speaking about their excitement and anticipation for the Games.

Among those featured are First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, as well as a trio of Olympic champions - diver David Boudia, track and field athlete Carl Lewis and gymnast Nastia Liukin.  

The USOC has made an effort to thank Brazil for hosting the Olympics by completing major renovations and upgrades to four institutions in Rio de Janeiro, including Colégio São Paulo - a school that serves 600 local children aged three to 17

The facility will act as USA House during the Games, and its Brazilian students will return to their renovated school after a winter break.

A children’s sports camp has also received major upgrades, along with a Navy school and a local sports club .

During the Olympic Games, the facilities will be used as Team USA High Performance Training Centres, which will give US athletes daily access to practice facilities, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, a recovery centre, and food and nutrition services.

After the Games, they will serve as state-of-the-art, upgraded facilities for the people of Rio de Janeiro.