As well as broadcast content, the BBC has harnessed its next-generation, internet-powered Red Button+ service to bring viewers with smart TVs and connected set top boxes, plus website, tablet and mobile app users up to 24 live HD video streams of top flight sporting action.
Combined with the ability to catch-up via the iPlayer – the 4 hours time difference with Brazil means you might not always want to sit up and watch live – this wealth of content means it’s never been easier to follow the progress of your favourite sportsman and or woman.
Notice we didn’t just say ‘athlete’?
Here in the UK that word’s always been used to describe those taking part in track and field events, but the games’ organisers regularly admit sports, including canoe sprinting and table tennis which don’t really match that definition.
The diverse list of sports contested at the Olympic often causes surprise and plenty of eyebrows were raised when golf was readmitted after a 112 year absence, but many people are equally surprised by the sports which are absent.
Did you, for example, know that karate isn’t an Olympic sport even though Judo is?
If you think you did, why not pop along to Ladbrokes where the team have put together an interactive quiz to test the knowledge of even the most ardent Olympic fans?