2016 Rio Olympics: Brazil's gymnastics champion Arthur Zanetti buoyed by home support

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil's Olympic gymnastics champion Arthur Zanetti has said that home advantage will play a big part when he attempts to defend his title in the rings event at next year's Rio Games.

"The energy of the crowds helps a lot, it gives me extra strength that I never felt before," Zanetti said on Friday, reports Xinhua.

The 25-year-old was a surprise winner at the 2012 London Games but has since become one of the world's most recognised gymnasts. His gold at the 2013 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp was followed by triumphs at the 2014 South American Games in Santiago and the 2015 Pan-American Games in Toronto.

Now he is focused on repeating his Olympic success in front of his home fans in August 2016.

Zanetti is currently in Glasgow for the World Championships where Brazil is aiming to qualify for the Olympic men's team event for the first time.