Rio's wonderfully diverse topography and landscape also lends itself to a wide range of sporting activities - The forests and mountains offer great opportunities for hiking, rock climbing and endurance sports, while the beaches pave the way for endless small and major league competitions in the quintessentially carioca and revered sport of volleyball.

The vast stretches of Sea also set the scene for swimming and surfing events, as well as the new and trendy stand up paddleboarding.

These scenic settings coupled with the magnificent weather created a popular culture of outdoor fitness - Along the beaches and parks, most notably in the aterro do flamengo, masses of runners, tight-rope walkers, weight-lifters, skaters and cyclists congregate to enjoy life and sweat away the stresses of the day.