Humans of Olympics: Meet Clare Balding, one of the busiest TV journalists in Rio

TV presenter Clare Balding was in the news shortly after landing in Rio de Janeiro, even before the opening ceremony. The celebrity British sports presenter, who has her own show, did not have her ring on in Rio and the tabloids picked up on it.

On the opening day of the Games, Clare was filming at the Olympic Park right next to the Five Rings that have been installed for fans to click snaps. A whole lot of English fans were waiting patiently to ask her for an autograph and a photograph. Just then, a couple of just out of college volunteers from London walked up to her and asked to get a photograph clicked with her. Not only did she oblige, she even asked the two girls to stay back for an interview.

With Great Britain in action in a lot of sports on the opening day, Balding was very busy, but she still interacted with the fans. Talking about the two girls from London and their friends who were from Brazil and Asia, she said, “This is the essence of the Games. People from all corners of the world meet and help each other at such sporting events. This is how new friendships are formed.”