Baltic Olympics update: Aug. 6

Latvia

21 athletes from Latvia march in Rio Opening Ceremony

21 Latvian athletes participated in the Opening Ceremony of the Rio Olympics today.

The nation’s Olympic team marched into the Maracana Stadium as the 110th delegation.

A total of 38 individuals comprised Latvia's delegation at the Opening Ceremony, including coaches and officials.

Two-time Olympic BMX gold medalist Maris Strombergs carried the Latvian flag at the Opening Ceremony.

Other Latvian athletes taking part in the Opening Ceremony included track and field athletes Madara Palameika, Sinta Ozolina, Laura Ikauniece-Admidina, Gunta Latiseva-Cudare, Ilona Marhele, Ariana Kira Hilborna, Zigismunds Sirmais, Rolands Strobinders, Pauls Pujats, Mareks Arents, Arnis Rumbenieks, swimmers Uvis Kalnins and Alona Ribakova, judo athletes Jevgenijs Borodavko and Arturs Nikiforenko, women’s tennis player Jelena Ostapenko, Ketija Birzule (sailing), beach volleyball players Aleksandrs Samoilovs and Janis Smedins, as well as shooter Dainis Upelnieks.

Cyclists Toms Skujins and Aleksejs Saramotins, whose events started today, as well as weightlifters Rebeka Koha and Arturs Plesnieks, opted to miss the Opening Ceremony in order to make final preparations.

A handful of Latvian participants who will compete later in the Games were unable to attend the ceremony as they have not yet arrived in Brazil.

Latvia will be represented by 33 athletes instead of 34 as previously reported, due to an injury having sidelined women's javelin thrower Lina Muze.