My Rio de Janeiro: Olympic City Chronicles by M. Koido

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From the first glance, you fall in love with Rio de Janeiro - magical green mountains, sandy beaches, the ocean. It's a city of contrasts where you experience firsthand the reality of poverty and wealth, and how much importance is placed on appearance in a country with a rapidly growing economy. Football brought me to Rio. In 2012, I landed in the Marvelous City for the first time with plans to work in the sports world here. The 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games turned Rio into the center of the world sports scene for years. Contrary to expectations, I also found myself amidst a century's biggest economic crisis, protests, and bribery scandals. I arrived here with rose-tinted glasses but learned that sport doesn't only bring joy to everyone. Rio's zest for life contrasts with Nordic restraint. Among cheerful Brazilians, I learned to find joy in every moment and every person. The experiences here, especially the young athletes pursuing their dreams, inspire and motivate me every day.