LONDON, July 17: Brazilian Olympic officials are hoping that the country’s athletes can use the London Games as a launch pad for success before preparing to host the 2016 edition in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil are keen to improve on the 15 medals won at Beijing in 2008 and, with the country’s economy buoyant, have set up camp at Crystal Palace, south London, enjoying the backing of politicians and sponsors alike.

Bernard Rajzman, head of Brazil’s Olympic Mission, is confident improved athletic preparation and resources will see a record medal haul over the coming weeks.

“It is true that Brazil has grown quite a lot and the whole world has acknowledged that,” said Rajzman, a silver medallist with the country’s indoor volleyball team at the 1984 Games. “Medals just don’t appear overnight. We are working already to prepare for 2016 and I am sure that all our efforts would make Brazil proud.”—Reuters