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Spectators hoping to see the Olympic torch pass by were left wondering if they were in fact watching the 100m final after the sound of gunshots sent the flame bearer dashing like a gold medal winner.
The flame relay was passing close to the Complexo de Chapadao favela, northwestern Rio de Janeiro, on Wednesday night when a gangster is believed to have sent a spray of bullets into the sky.
The National Security Force, which was protecting the torch on its route to the Maracana stadium, where it will light the Olympic cauldron tonight, ordered the relay team to accelerate - which they did.