INTERNATIONAL: They’re one of the furthest countries from Tokyo, so it’s taken the Brazilian Olympic team a little longer to get home, but their athletes received a heroes’ welcome, with the country's best-ever showing on the medals table. The South American nation finished 12th with 21 medals, one place higher than at their home games in Rio back in 2016.

Seven of the medals were gold, including one from star gymnast Rebeca Andrade. The 22-year-old clinched a silver in the individual all-around competition, and then went onto win gold in the vault final. Brazil also secured medals in boxing. Hebert Conceicao won gold in the 75-kilogram category, with Abner Teixeira winning the heavyweight match. Beatriz Ferreira won silver in the women's lightweight boxing.

Brazil's success came in spite of reduced investment. Government programs for top-class athletes doled out just over $21-million less this last Olympic cycle compared to the one leading up to the 2016 Games.