The Summer Olympics is something many people look forward to. It's a time to bring the world together in peace for a little polite competition. It is a time to prove to ourselves and to others that we are amazing. It's a time to show off a little bit, but also a time to cheer each other on. As the Olympics approach, I have been reading up on some of the athletes that will participate. After doing some extensive research, it seems that the media and the Olympic Organizing Committee of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio agree that there is a select group of athletes we should be paying attention to this summer.
1. Simone Biles: United States, Gymnastics
At 18-years-old, Simone is already one of the most decorated gymnasts in US history. She claimed the title USA Gymnastics 2015 national champion with the largest margin of victory in American Cup history. She is expected to win gold in the All-Around as well as some individual events.
2. Aliya Mustafina: Russia, Gymnastics
Aliya is the 2010 World individual all-around champion, the 2015 European Games individual all-around champion, and the 2013 Universiade individual all-around champion. She is also the champion in events of uneven bars and balance beam at various cups. She was the most decorated gymnast in the 2012 Summer Olympics. In fact, Aliya was the most decorated athlete (excluding swimming) at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
3. Jaheel Hyde: Jamaica, Track and Field
Hyde is an up and coming athlete who has won gold in the 400 m hurdles event at the World Junior Championships. He currently holds the world youth record for the 110 m hurdles event.
4. Fernando Gaviria: Colombia, Track Cycling
Gaviria defeated former world champion Mark Cavendish at the 2015 Tour de San Luis in Argentina. He took the omnium title at the 2015 Track Cycling World Championships. He plans to snag the gold in Rio in the multi-race category.
5. Bradley Wiggins: United Kingdom, Track Cycling
In 2012, Wiggins became the first British cyclist to ever win the Tour de France. He already has four Olympic gold medals along with one silver and two bronze. Rio is his final chance to gain more Olympic glory. If he wins an eight medal, he will be the most decorated Olympian in British history.
6. Katie Ledecky: United States, Swimming
Katie has already won gold when she competed in London in 2012. Her stamina and speed are simply astounding in the water. It is possible that she could compete for up to seven gold medals in Rio.
7. David Boudia: United States, Diving
Boudia became the first US diver to place first since 2000 when he won the gold in London in 2012. He recently received a silver medal at the 2015 World Championships. He has a goal to snag the gold in Rio, however. If he does, he'll be the first American diver to win back-to-back gold in the Summer games since Greg Louganis in 1988.
8. Ki Bo Bae: Republic of Korea, Archery
Bo Bae has already received two gold medals in the 2012 Summer Olympics. She has her heart set on upholding her title and possibly breaking a few records in Rio. She wants to make Korean archery history by becoming the first person to achieve individual and team champion at consecutive Olympic games.
If you're looking forward to the Summer Olympics in Rio as much as I am, then keep an eye out for these amazing athletes. Remember: the Olympics are a time to bring the world together. Cheer hard for your country, but don't boo the others. Cheer for everyone, and enjoy the games!
