The wait is over – the 2016 Summer Olympics begins this Friday, August 5th, where it all happens in Rio de Janeiro. Athletes all across the world have been waiting for this moment for four years – hoping to once again have a chance to become gold medalist. With returning athletes and new athletes competing, the stakes are high for everyone to perform well and achieve a medal to prove their ability to win. I am eager for this year’s Olympics, like I am every four years when it comes around. Here is a list of my favorite events at the Olympics I am looking forward to.
1. Gymnastics
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The fierce five dominated the 2012 London Olympics four years ago - winning the team gold medal and Gabby Douglas winning the All-Around gold medal for Team USA. Everyone, including me, is wondering the same question – can they do it again? With only Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman returning to the Olympics, puts a great deal of pressure on the two girls and the three news girls (Simone Biles, Madison Kocian, and Laurie Hernandez) to perform at the same level they did in London. The gymnast to look out for in this summer’s Olympics is Simone Biles. In the Gymnastics team trails, Biles was overall first, beating out reigning gold medalist Gabby Douglas, to secure a spot to Rio.
2. Beach volleyball
When I think about beach volleyball in the Olympics and think about Kerri Walsh-Jennings and Misty May-Treanor for Team USA. The two woman have won the gold medal in the Olympics since the 2004 Athens Olympics and each year have become better and better; however, this year Walsh-Jennings obtains a challenge – she is trying to win another gold medal without her long-time partner, May-Treanor. Misty May-Treanor retired in the 2012 London Olympics after winning three Gold medals. Walsh-Jennings new partner is April Ross, yes, her opponent from Team USA in the 2012 Games. The two have been training together and winning championships – let’s see if they can win the Gold together.
3. Tennis
Coming off her Wimbledon win and tying the record for most title wins (22), Serena Williams is the top contender to win another gold medal with her sister, Venus Williams, in the doubles match in Rio. The Williams Sisters have won three gold medals in the Olympics and are hoping to receive a fourth medal. The sisters likewise won the doubles match in Wimbledon this year, adding to their five titles together in double matches. Everyone will be on the edge of their seats hopeful for another win for the sisters and anticipating the intense game yet to come.
I am likewise excited for the events including: basketball, track & field, and swimming. Basketball will be stimulating to watch because the USA team has dominated this event for many years and are a favorite to a win a gold medal again. Track & field likewise will be a great event to watch because everyone wants to see Usain Bolt maintain his status for the fastest man in the world. In addition, swimming will always be a favorite for me because of Michael Phelps. Saying he was going to retire – he is returning for the 2016 Rio Olympics to win another gold medal.
