There are plenty of amazing athletes in action in Rio but spare a thought for some stellar names who haven’t made the trip for this summer’s Olympics.
Here we look at eight stars who will be missed.
KENENISA BEKELE (ETH)
The three-time Olympic champion and world record holder missed out on a spot in Ethiopia’s four-man marathon team because he did not meet qualification criteria set by his federation due to an injury-enforced absence of almost 12 months.
CESAR CIELO (BRA)
The world record holder and three-time Olympic medallist was unable to qualify for the 50 free getting beaten in Brazil’s Olympic Trials. It spelt heartbreak for the most successful Brazilian swimmer in history, who is unable to compete at his home Games.
IHAB ABDELRAHMAN (EGY)
The Egyptian world championship silver medallist in javelinhas been the one to watch in his event all year, winning two stops of the Diamond League. But he found out less than two weeks ahead of Rio that he failed a doping test and is suspended from action.
YELENA ISINBAYEVA (RUS)
One of the marquee names absent due to the ban on Russia’s track and field athletes, Isinbayeva was hoping to capture a fourth consecutive medal in pole vault to go with the two golds and one bronze she won in Athens, Beijing and London.
MARIA SHARAPOVA (RUS) and ROGER FEDERER (SUI)
The two singles silver medallists from London 2012 are not competing in Rio with Sharapova serving a doping suspension and Federer out rehabbing his injured knee.
JASON DAY (AUS)
The world No1 golfer has snubbed the Rio Olympics citing the Zika virus as his reason for not competing. Golf returns to the Olympics after a 112- year exile but Day is one of numerous golfers, including the world’s top four, who has opted out.
KENDRA HARRISON (USA)
Harrison broke the world record in the 100m hurdles at the London Anniversary Games just days after failing to qualify to the Olympics during Trials. Ironically, she beat all the Rio-bound Americans in her event when she broke the world record in London.
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