Hidden Rio

Now on BBC News, Favela Athletes.

Rio de Janeiro.

Here, sport is more than just a pastime.

It is a religion.

In 2016, the eyes of the world will be on Brio for the greatest

sporting spectacle of all, the Olympics.

High above the city, there are some 600 favelas,

shanty towns that are home to roughly a quarter

of Rio's population.

Few in the favelas can afford tickets to the Games,

but a handful are hoping to compete.

We follow three athletes.

Ana Carolina, Giovanna and Jorge.

Three favela athletes living out their dreams of Olympic glory.

11-year-old Ana Carolina has been a gymnast for six years

and trains every day.

She lives at the top of the favela with her family.

Ana Carolina, now 13 years old, is still dedicated to winning

a place on the gymnastics team.

But the hardships of favela life have taken their toll on the family.

One evening, things became too much for Ana Carolina's mother.

The family's difficulties and the rigours of sporting life

started to affect her training.

16-year-old Giovanna's daily regime means she has to head

out before dawn.

Her mother is up as well, taking Giovana to her training session.

The daily gym sessions last several hours, but this isn't the main part

of her training.

Giovana started diving aged ten, but even now the ten metre

platform isn't easy.

Due to the dedication that training demands,

her social life is limited.

Physical demands have taken their toll on her body,

and could affect her chance of selection.

It is not just physical.

The psychological aspects are also weighing her down.

Despite her injuries, Giovana is back at the gym,

pursuing her dreams, and her diving has taken

a change of direction.

She has teamed up with another diver for the ten metres

synchronised diving category.

And the results speak for themselves.

They have had one success after another.

Giovana and Ingrid won Brazil's first ever gold medal

at the Pan-Am Games in Toronto.

Giovana's mother cannot afford to travel abroad to see

her daughter compete.

Every day is an early start and a two-hour journey

for 28-year-old Jorge.

The journey is long, but for Jorge, it is worth it.

In 2010, Jorge came to Rio's main Paralympic training ground in search

of work and was given a job.

But only months later, a coach spotted him and offered

Jorge a chance to train.

From a favela background with not many prospects,

Jorge is now one of Brazil's top athletes.

But training doesn't come without its difficulties.

Jorge works in a call centre.

Jorge lives with his wife, Maria.

Paralympic sport has given Jorge a chance to step far

beyond the expectations of most favela families.

Jorge is now competing with his own records,

but if he gets to represent Brazil, he will be up against other

high-ranking athletes from all over the world.

A medal is never a certainty.

Time will tell if the favela athletes can realise their dreams.

Good morning.

On balance, the second part of the weekend is looking a bit

cloudier than the first part.

That cloud is likely to bring some rain.