With the XXXI Olympic Games starting in Rio de Janeiro in just a few weeks, people around the world are starting to get excited to watch. Whether you enjoy any particular event in the summer Olympics or not (although there are SO many events, there must be one you like) you want the USA to win. Here are four of the many, many things we are waiting to find our the answers to in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
1. How many medals will Simone Biles bring home?
Maybe more specifically, how many gold medals will she bring home? The phenomenal gymnast is the three-time all-around world champion and is also the most decorated gymnast in the history of world championships. She will make her Olympic debut in August, and we can’t wait to see how many gold medals she will bring home for Team USA.
2. How many Olympians will get Zika?
With the outbreak of the Zika virus this year, some potential Olympians have chosen not to attend the Rio Olympics, but as for all the rest, may the mosquito repellent force be with them.
3. Will Michael Phelps win another gold?
We all know his story. Super fast swimmer, something about drugs and a suspension, still super fast swimmer, medaled in three different Olympics, “retired,” had a baby, turned 30 and now, why not make another Olympic appearance? Phelps is currently the most decorated Olympian with 22 medals, 18 of which are gold. Rather than, "Will he earn more golds?" I think the appropriate question may be, “How many more golds?”
4. How many medals will the USA bring home this year?
We currently have 2,404 Olympic medals to our name, 976 of which are golds (‘Murica!). We will all be anxiously waiting to see not only how individual Olympians do, but how we do as a country. Despite all of the political turmoil, supporting the US in the Olympics is one thing we can all get behind. Let the USA chants begin, and may the odds be ever in our favor.
In case you are completely clueless about when the actual Olympics are I’ve got you covered.
Opening ceremony: August 5th, 7 p.m. EST
Events begin: August 6th
Closing ceremony: August 21st
For the full schedule of actual events, you can click here to view listings and medal events for each day.
GO USA!