In a change from the last two Olympics, potential Independent Olympic Athletes would march next to last, ahead of only host nation Brazil, in the Rio Olympic Opening Ceremony Parade of Nations on Aug. 5, IOC president Thomas Bach said Thursday.
Independent Olympic Athletes do not have a national flag to compete under at the Games but rather march out behind the Olympic flag.
Potential Independent Olympic Athletes at the Rio Games could include stateless refugees.
At London 2012, three Independent Olympic Athletes gained fame during the Parade of Nations for their dance moves while marching. Then, they marched between Iceland and India in alphabetical order.
At Sochi 2014, the Independent Olympic Athletes (of India) marched in between Mongolia and Nepal in accordance with the Russian alphabet.
Independent Olympic Athletes last marched immediately before the host nation in the Parade of Nations at Sydney 2000, when East Timor athletes had the honor, also dancing.
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