Rio 2016 Olympics: With 100 days to go - everything you need to know, including when is it and how to get tickets

The key details ahead of this summer's sporting extravaganza 

Simon Rice
Tuesday 26 April 2016 13:27 EDT
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The Olympic rings in Rio
The Olympic rings in Rio (Getty)

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Wednesday marks 100 days until the start of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Between now and then expect stories of stadiums not being ready, fears over the Zika virus and tales of doping concerns - but then it will begin - two weeks of solid sport.

You'll find you're an expert in the equestrian disciplines, fascinated by fencing and spending far too much time debating whether golf should be included in the Games.

Here, we provide you with all the key details you need to know - from when it starts and how Team GB will fare to when and where you can watch it...

When does everything begin...

The Games officially begin on Friday 5 August with the opening ceremony, which will be held at the world famous Maracana Stadium.

However, the action will have begun two days before, with the football competition (featuring Barcelona and Brazil star Neymar) getting started on Wednesday 3 August.

The Games will get into full swing on Saturday 6 August with 20 disciplines in action.

As is traditional at the Olympics, the swimming events will dominate the first week (6-13 August) with athletics the focus in the second week starting from 12 August. The athletics events will continue up until Sunday 21 August before the closing ceremony that night.

When is the 100m final...

The 100m final is usually the most hotly anticipated event of the Games and this year will be no different with Usain Bolt looking to cement his place in Olympic folklore by becoming a triple champion following his triumphs in Beijing and London.

We'll find out if he can do it on Sunday 14 August.

Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt

What time will it be on in the UK...

Rio, where just about everything takes place, is four hours behind BST.

That means the opening ceremony will begin at midnight.

The majority of the actual sport will be on between 9am and 11pm local time - so 1pm and 3am UK time.

Where can I watch it...

The BBC has exclusive rights to the Games and will broadcast live coverage every day on their flagship channels and the BBC Red Button.

Can I still get tickets...

CoSport is the authorised seller for those seeking tickets from the UK and tickets are still available for many of the events. For the more popular disciplines, if there are tickets still available, they may be in the more expensive category. Tickets to the athletics on the second Saturday could set you back as much as £530. However, one could watch the golf for £24.

How will Team GB perform...

Team GB enjoyed their most successful ever Olympics in 2012 - winning 65 medals as host nation. That total is not expected to be bettered, however the British Olympic Association is confident that a record haul for an Olympics on foreign soil is possible. That record was set in Beijing when 47 were won.

"London set the bar so high in terms of medals legacy but it's been a good thing - the impact it had on the nation and the sports," said BOA chief executive Bill Sweeney, who revealed that the BOA had invested double the amount spent on preparations for Beijing.

"There is a possibility for us to exceed the 47 medals overall in Beijing. It is a target for us."

The stand out names competing for Great Britain include Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah in the athletics, Tom Daley in diving, Nicola Adams is boxing and the Brownlee brothers are great hopes in the triathlon.

Jessica Ennis-Hill was part of 'Super Saturday' at London 2012
Jessica Ennis-Hill was part of 'Super Saturday' at London 2012 (Getty Images)

When is the Paralympics...

Rio will also host the Paralympics, with it taking place from 7 September to 18 September.

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