Cesar Cielo, Brazil's most well-known active Olympic champion, failed to qualify for the Rio Olympics in the 50m freestyle event.
He finished third overall at Brazil's Olympic Trials with a time of 21.91 seconds, missing out by 0.09 seconds.

What happened?

Cielo broke down in tears in a post-race interview after finishing behind Bruno Fratus and Italo Duarte.
He had come into the final in Olympic qualifying position via his 21.99 time in a morning preliminary heat.
But Duarte unleashed a personal best by 0.26 in the final to overtake Cielo.

Why it matters for Cesar Cielo

Cielo is the 2008 Olympic champion and 2009, 2011, and 2013 World champion in the 50m freestyle.
He had struggled with injuries, slower times, and withdrawing from meets in recent months.
Cielo withdrew during the first Olympic qualifying meet in December and the World Championships in August.

What comes next?

Cielo's only hope to compete at the Rio Olympics is if Brazil's swimming federation puts him on the 4x100m freestyle relay team.
However, his best time in Olympic Trials meets -- 48.97 -- ranks him No. 7 among Brazilian men.
Cielo reportedly dismissed the notion of joining the relay team in Rio late Wednesday.
He had already given up hope of Olympic qualifying in the 100m freestyle, clocking unimpressive times in preliminary heats.
Cielo was Brazil's top 50m and 100m freestyle swimmer at the last two Olympics.
He took 50m freestyle gold at Beijing 2008, plus bronze in the 100m freestyle in Beijing and bronze in the 50m freestyle at London 2012.
His 50m free world record from 2009 is 20.91.
A winter poll of Rio de Janeiro residents tipped Cielo to carry Brazil's flag into the Opening Ceremony on Aug. 5.
Cielo's failure to qualify is a significant setback for the Brazilian swimming team.
He will not be able to defend his Olympic title in the 50m freestyle event.
Cielo's fans will be disappointed by his failure to qualify for the Rio Olympics.
He had been struggling to regain his form after a series of injuries.
Cielo's time of 21.91 seconds was not enough to secure a spot in the Olympic team.
He finished behind Bruno Fratus and Italo Duarte, who took the top two spots.
Cielo's Olympic dreams are now in jeopardy.
He will have to wait and see if he will be selected for the relay team.
Cielo's performance at the Olympic Trials was not up to his usual standards.
He had been expected to qualify easily for the Rio Olympics.
But he faced tough competition from Bruno Fratus and Italo Duarte.
Cielo's failure to qualify is a surprise to many in the swimming community.
He had been one of the favorites to win the 50m freestyle event.
But he was unable to overcome his injuries and qualify for the Olympics.
Cielo's future in swimming is now uncertain.
He will have to regroup and try to qualify for the next Olympics.
Cielo's fans will be hoping that he can bounce back from this setback.
He has been one of the most successful swimmers in Brazilian history.
Cielo's world record in the 50m freestyle has stood since 2009.
He will be hoping to regain his form and break his own record.
Cielo's failure to qualify for the Rio Olympics is a disappointment to many.
He had been expected to be one of the stars of the Brazilian swimming team.
But he was unable to qualify due to his injuries and poor performance.
Cielo's time of 21.91 seconds was not enough to secure a spot in the Olympic team.
He will have to wait and see if he will be selected for the relay team.