2016 Rio Olympics: Biggest stars, dates, schedule, mascots, logo, Usain Bolt 'triple triple', Zika

Updated 05/08/2016 at 07:37 GMT

From the biggest stars, the mascots and the logo to the dates and schedule, here's everything you need to know ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The 2016 Rio Olympics mascot Vinicius attends the inauguration ceremony of the Olympic Rings placed at the Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro

Image credit: Reuters

When do the Games begin?

The opening ceremony kicks off today!

The closing ceremony for the Games is on August 21.

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What are the prospects for British success?

Great Britain produced a record haul of 65 medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games. But how will they do this year?

Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Lizzie Armistead and Adam Peaty are among Team GB's most likely medal-winners. Read more with our in-depth guide.

Which sports form the Rio Olympics?

For a comprehensive list of all the Olympic sports, plus in-depth guides for a selected few,

What is the logo for the Games?

The logo was designed by the Brazilian agency Tatíl Design and unveiled on 31 December 2010. The logo represents three figures: in the colours of the Brazilian flag, joined together with the overall shape reflecting that of Sugarloaf Mountain.

President of Brazilian Olympic committee Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of IOC Jacques Rogge, Rio's mayor Eduardo Paes, Nawal El Moutawakel and Gilbert Felli attend the launch of the official logo of the Rio summer Olympic 2016 games in Rio De Janeiro

Image credit: Reuters

What about the official mascots?

The Olympic mascot Vinicius, named after musician Vinicius de Moraes, apparently carries design traits of mammals and represents Brazilian wildlife.

The Paralympic mascot is called Tom, named after the musician Tom Jobim.

The mascots' fictional backstories state that they were both born from the joy of Brazilians after it was announced that Rio would host the Games.

Who are some of the biggest stars?

Have you heard of Usain Bolt? Well, he's attempting to complete the 'triple triple' having won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay gold medals at both Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.

Bolt's compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is also seeking a third successive Olympic gold medal in the 100m, while American Allyson Felix is chasing more gold having already racked up four from Beijing and London.

Michael Phelps, having retired and now returned, is hoping to add more to his astonishing collection of 22 medals, 18 of which are gold, in swimming.

For Britain, Mo Farah will be looking to replicate his Olympic gold double from London in the 5,000m and 10,000m, while Bradley Wiggins is aiming to add a fifth Olympic gold medal to his collection.

What about Bolt's 'triple triple'?

Bolt exclusively told Eurosport earlier this year that securing an unprecedented Olympic ‘triple triple’ at this summer’s Games in Rio would be his greatest ever achievement.

"I have had a great career so far but I want to keep winning medals,” Bolt told Eurosport.

"As I always say I never focus on any one individual. I respect all my opponents but I know if I am fit and healthy that I will be very hard to beat.

To win the triple triple would be my greatest achievement.

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Zika concerns

An ongoing outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika virus has raised fears regarding its potential impact on athletes and visitors in Brazil. Many competitors have withdrawn from the Games as a result.

The sport most affected by the virus has been golf with International Golf Federation president Peter Dawson saying there has been "something of an overreaction" to Zika".