Nothing resurrects patriotism in the American blood as much as the Olympic Games. The stiff competition draws together couch potatoes and CrossFit junkies alike to partake in the quadrennial tradition of bleeding red, white and blue to prove that America is truly superior in every facet. It’s as if every American is an Olympian, experiencing the pain of watching of gymnast fall, and the rush of endorphins as an athlete wins another gold medal.
From synchronized swimming to beach volleyball, the countless hours of dedication and perseverance shows in every athlete. Out of roughly 550 Athletes who will sweat, cry and laugh in Rio August, here are your top girl athletes to watch out for.
Simone Biles: Gymnastics
Gabby Who? No more is USA Gymnastics centered on the 2012 All-Around gymnastics gold medalist, Gabby Douglas. Finishing a mediocre seventh at the 2016 Olympic trials, Douglas barely made the cut to compete on the five woman roster in Rio as Simone Biles has been crowed the new queen of USA Gymnastics after winning the trials. Not only is she the best U.S. gymnast, she is the reigning three time All-Around World Champion and holds seven other single event world championship gold medals. She’s kind of a big deal. Outside of her countless hours as a gymnast, she’s just like a regular 19-year-old girl who loves to FaceTime her friends and binge watching Netflix.
April Ross: Beach Volleyball
This 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist is back for the gold. The 34-year-old Costa Mesa native seeks redemption partnering with three time Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh to form beach volleyball’s dream team. She has won countless domestic and professional events in the past three years, becoming one of the most intimidating players on the world tour. Recently featured in ESPN’s Body Issue, Ross exemplifies the beauty of femininity and confidence. You can read about how she learned to love her body here.
Mackenzie Brown: Archery
In hopes of bringing the US back a long lost gold medal in archery, Mackenzie Brown is fixed on hitting the bull’s eye. After narrowly missing a spot on the 2012 London team at age sixteen, Brown is back stronger than ever for Rio. Placing fourth at the Olympics Test Event, this real life Kaniss Everdeen has what it takes to shoot for the gold. The Texas native is the epitome of all things USA from loving country music to posting food pictures on Instagram, classic.
Katie Ledecky: Swimming
Nineteen-year-old Stanford commit, Katie Ledecky is set to shine in Rio and bring light to the Cardinal swim program. Representing the red white and blue in the 200m, 400m and 800m free, Ledecky could potentially see three gold medals in her future. Holding three world records, this high school graduate has a successful future ahead of her and could be the female version of Michael Phelps.
Sydney McLaughlin: Track
At just the age of 16, Sydney McLauglin of Union Catholic Regional High School in New Jersey is competing in the women’s 400 meter hurdles in Rio. She will be the youngest USA track Olympian since 1972, adding vibrancy to the well rounded 2016 track roster. Uniquely, McLaughlin runs for something we can all relate to, food. Ever since her dad volunteered to give her a chocolate bar if she won her first race, she’s always looked forward to a satisfying treat after crossing the finish line. Hopefully a gold medal will accompany her at dinner after running in Rio.
Lee Kiefer: Foil
Think all Olympic athletes are tall? Think again! Lee Kiefer is a mere 5’4” weighting just 105 pounds and is the number three fencer in the world. While other kids chose to pick up main stream sports like basketball and soccer in their youth, Kiefer tried her hand at foil, and was soon amongst the finest in the world. At age 15 she was the youngest woman on the Senior World Championship team and two years later won her first world title. You’ll be amazed by not only the intricacies in the art of fencing but also by her determination and wit and she fights for the ultimate world title.
McKenna Dahl: Rifle
This paralymic shooting stud has worked feverishly to attain a bid to Rio and compete among the best riflemen and rifle-women in the world at just the age of eighteen. This all American teen has emerged in the world of shooting where most of her competitors are almost the age of her parents! Considering rifle relies on mental toughness, Dahl’s secret to success is working with a sports psychologist to help her improve. The sky is the limit with the young McKenna Dahl and many medals are expected to come her way in the future.
The women set to compete in Rio have the strength, power, and heart to reach the podium and receive the highest honors in sports. We are so proud to have these role models represent the United States and bring hope into the heart of all Americans. Now you’re ready for Rio!
