The Paradox of Brazil and Its Olympiad

For many countries, the prospect of hosting the Summer Olympics is sought after as the maximum consecration of their place as a modern power. In the past century, this was notoriously evident at the Berlin Olympics, of 1936, which Adolf Hitler hoped to use to show off the Olympian superiority of his master race. Eight years ago, the Beijing Olympics, with their showy inaugural ceremony and no-expenses-spared sports venues, were China’s statement about its place on the world scene. When Brazil was selected as the host of this Olympiad, seven years ago, it seemed fitting that the great South American nation—much admired for many things, including its people’s renowned charisma—should have the honor of hosting the 2016 Games.