The Rio de Janeiro Olympics kick off on August 5 for some two weeks of competitive games drawing athletes as well as audiences from around the world. As they prepare to cover the event, Reuters photographers look back on their favourite pictures from past Olympics where they captured the action on the ground as well as the participants' tears and joy that followed. (Photo by Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)

England's full-back Freddie Steward dives across the line to score a try chased by Japan's wing Lomano Lemeki (L) during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice in Nice, southern France on September 17, 2023. (Photo by Nicolas Tucat/AFP Photo)

Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders including the first two male cheerleaders in Super Bowl history (C) perform in the third quarter of Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 03 February 2019. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/EPA/EFE)

Actresses Zelda Williams and Kelly Monaco attend Nintendo's celebration of the launch of Super Mario 3D Land at Siren Studios on November 3, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Nintendo)

An Iraq fan poses before the World Cup 2022 Qualifier 2nd round Group C football match between Iraq and Iran at Amman International Stadium in Amman, Jordan on November 14, 2019. (Photo by Muhammad Hamed/Reuters)

U.S. President Barack Obama laughs as he reads the storybook “Where the Wild Things Are” during the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House in Washington April 6, 2015. Thousands of children gathered at the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll. This year's event features live music, cooking stations, storytelling, and of course, some Easter egg roll. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Runners gather at the start line for the annual “Santa Speedo Run”, a charity race through the streets of the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. (Photo by Gretchen Ertl/Reuters)

St. Vincent performs at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, U.S., April 13, 201. (Photo by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)