Olympic Games such as the Olympic flag and torch, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. Over 13,000 athletes compete at the Summer and Winter Olympic Games in 33 different sports and nearly 400 events. The first, second, and third-place finishers in each event receive Olympic medals: gold, silver, and bronze, respectively. The Games have grown so much that nearly every nation is now represented. This growth has created numerous challenges and controversies, including boycotts, doping, bribery, and a terrorist attack in 1972. Every two years the Olympics and its media exposure provide unknown athletes with the chance to attain national
Portugal at the 2015 European Games champions Russia. Having beaten Switzerland 6–5 in the group stage, Portugal repeated the scoreline in the bronze medal match to secure the tenth and last Portuguese medal at these Games. Coach: Mário Narciso Portugal qualified thirteen athletes in eleven events, based on the results at the 2014 Canoe Sprint European Championships. The competition took place at the Kur Sport and Rowing Centre in Mingachevir from 14 to 16 June. Portuguese boats qualified for eight finals (seven finals A and one final B). The best results came through Olympic silver medalist Fernando Pimenta, who won two silver medals, after finishing behind