Olympians

Athletes based in Samoa were prevented from attending the Games by a Government order which closed the country’s international borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This meant only Samoan athletes based abroad were able to compete in the Japanese capital.

Of the 11 who qualified for Tokyo 2020, eight were located overseas, while three weightlifters were based in Samoa.

Vaipava Nevo Ioane had been due to represent the Oceanian country in the men’s 67-kilogram division, Don Opeloge in the men’s 96kg and Iuniarra Sipaia in the women’s over-87kg.

E! News recently caught up with Alessandra Ambrosio at the Omega House's Gold Night celebration for medal-winning athletes in Rio, and when asked to weigh in who's the fiercest competitor between Olympians and Victoria's Secret models, she didn't hesitate to answer. 

"Well, you know we do work very hard, but the athletes. It's hours and hours and they give everything they can," the Brazilian beauty dished. 

When Serena Williams takes to the court at the Rio Olympics this month, the US tennis star won’t really be alone. She will have arrived at the Games with an entourage of paid staffers, coaches and sponsors who’ve helped her every step of the way.