The Rio Games appear to have found their new Olympic cauldron lighter.
According to a report by Reuters on Friday, Brazilian tennis great Gustavo Kuerten has been selected to light the cauldron at the Olympic opening ceremony.
BREAKING: Brazil tennis great Gustavo Kuerten to light Olympic cauldron at #Rio2016 opening ceremony – report. https://t.co/a1bv6VwIzq
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) August 5, 2016
Kuerten, a three-time French Open winner, replaces soccer legend Pelé, who had to pull out due to ill health.
While he doesn’t have quite the same name recognition, the 39-year-old Kuerten is a former World No. 1 who is widely seen as the face of tennis in Brazil. As such, he should still be a popular selection amongst the locals to perform the honors.
Image via ATP World Tour on YouTube
