Once every four years, the world unites in a little friendly competition known as the Summer Olympics. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece in 1896, and every four years since, they have brought us two weeks of athleticism, inspiration, and record-breaking performances from the world's best athletes. The 2016 Olympics begin with the opening ceremony this Friday, August 5 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and if you aren't excited yet, here's 10 reasons to get you pumped for the upcoming Olympic Games.

1. The Opening Ceremony

The first opening ceremony was in the 1920 Games in Antwerp, Belgium in an effort to show that Olympic spirit still existed after the devastation of World War I. The Olympic rings, made of blue, yellow, red, black, and green, included at least one color from every nation that participated in the 1920 Olympics. This tradition continues today along with the tradition of the Athlete's Oath in which a competitor from the host country promises on behalf of all of the athletes to play fairly and obey all the rules. The ceremonies have evolved over the centuries and they always leave us excited to see what the next one entails.

2. Men's and Women's Gymnastics

Gymnastics is arguably one of the most popular and exciting sports to watch in the Olympics. The United States women are the odds on favorites to win the Games with 19-year-old Olympic rookie Simone Biles expected to be the all-round champion. Though most of the women are 20 years or younger, all of the men are in their 20s (and they are all extremely attractive). If you are wanting to watch a sport that will make you forever wish you were in better shape, gymnastics is your best bet.

3. Men's and Women's Swimming

When it comes to Olympic swimming, the United States rules the pool. From the London 2012 Olympics the USA earned a total of 104 medals, 31 of which came from the pool. Among the favorites are Missy Franklin, Ryan Lochte, Katie Ledecky, and the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps. Phelps, who just turned 31 this past month, has accumulated 22 medals (18 of which are gold) and this upcoming Olympics will be his fifth, and final, Games. Not to mention, he just had a baby in May, so you know there will be plenty of baby time on screen! If you love to watch sports that will leave you on the edge of your seat in anticipation, make sure you watch swimming this Olympics.

4. Discovering new sports that you'd never expect to like.

While waiting for your favorite sports to come on TV, the best feeling is finding a new Olympic sport that you're interested in. The Olympic Games offer 42 different sports, among these are table tennis, judo, rowing, equestrian, badminton, and many more. On top of these, this year's Olympics marks the return of rugby, which was last played in the 1924 Games, and the return of golf, which was last played in the 1904 Games .

5. It's the finale for the fastest man in the world.

After smashing the world record in the 100-meter in August 2009, Usain Bolt of Jamaica became the fastest man in the world. His many outstanding performances stimulated a national pride so strong, that it inspires and entertains the whole world to watch him run. Bolt's last Olympics will no doubt be a must-see.

6. Brazil is the first South American host for the Olympic games.

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere and is known for its beautiful mountains and beaches, Carnival, and the statue of Christ the Redeemer (seen above in front of the Olympic arena). Though there has been concerns regarding issues of Rio hosting, it will be interesting to see how Rio includes their culture in this year's Games.

7. Watching rookies become Olympians.

Every four years when the rosters are determined for the upcoming Olympics, there are many familiar names. Majority of the names, however, are typically Olympic rookies excited to start their first Olympic journey. After watching these athletes perform at home, watching them perform with the best in the whole world is another must-see at the Olympics.

8. Feeling the excitement that the athletes feel on the podium.

There is nothing better than seeing the emotion of the athlete(s) on top of the podium when they hear their national anthem. Seeing the happiness that overcomes the athletes on the podium brings an immense sense of inspiration for young athletes everywhere.

9. There is an immense amount of patriotism shown by each country.

Every four years following the Olympics, patriotism in America increases. Though we are a nation of many issues, Americans everywhere despite religion, sexual orientation, race, or color enjoy watching their country be represented in the Games.

10. The Olympic's Anthem "Rise."

Katy Perry's first release in three years, "Rise," has been named the anthem for the Rio Olympics. Her song encourages a need for our world to unite and to rise above fear in our country and around the world. The intensity of the song provokes feelings of inspiration and, of course, excitement for the Games to begin next week.