Bored Rio lifeguard cheers up Twitterati (Rio Diary)

Do you have an unsatisfying job that makes you cry: "What am I doing here"? Spare a thought for the lifeguards at the Rio Games who have been tasked with overseeing Michael Phelps, Adam Peaty and other Olympic swimmers.

The photo of an ennui-stricken lifeguard at Rio has created an explosion on social media networks with users coming up with hilarious take on the presence of lifeguards at the games that has been mandated by Brazilian laws.

"If you feel useless today, just remember there is someone working as a lifeguard at the Olympics.

"I imagine being a lifeguard at the Olympics is about as pointless as being a weatherman in San Diego," are some of the hilarious tweets associated with the picture that has gone viral, leading to creation of numerous memes.

While most of them found the job to be "pointless" or "worthless", there were some calling it a "dream job".

Around 75 lifeguards, including 15 women, have been deployed across the Games venues and training centers for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, water polo and white-water kayaking.

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Olympic medallist's granny dies cheering him

Watching Thai weightlifter Sinphet Kruaithong get on to the podium at the Rio Games was the proudest moment for his family. But at the same time, it also brought them sorrow.

Sinphet's octogenarian grandmother Subin Khongthap collapsed and died back home in Thailand while cheering her 20-year-old grandson winning the bronze medal in the men's 56 kg.

A video now viral -- shows the jubilation at his family home in Ban Phon Muang turning into tragedy as the grandmother, who had been jumping in joy moments ago, collapsed on the floor with people around trying to revive her.

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Experience Rio from a balloon

Get on the world's biggest hot air balloon to experience a panoramic view of the world's most happening city at the moment.

Flying at 500 feet, the 'Skol Scenic Balloon' has been a big hit with tourists, especially children, who have been making a beeline for the ride.

Besides providing a panoramic view of the Olympic venues, the hot air balloon ride provides a spectacular all-round sight of the historical Candelaria Church that was built and decorated during a long period, from 1775 to the late 19th century.

--IANS

and/ssp/vm