The 2016 Rio Olympics start August 5 and the United States recently announced that they will be sending 292 women to the Olympics out of the 500 athletes that will be representing the United States of America.
There has no doubt been a large amount of negativity leading up the games. The athletes' housing situation has been less than perfect, the water quality is poor and there is a shortage of electricity in the Village. But, let's put that all aside.
Let's talk girl power. Basketball, soccer, swimming and so many more sports have shining women athletes that compete throughout the regular season sports and in the Olympics. While I would like to go through every female that is competing in the Olympics, I will go through a few athletes that I find inspirational and have been in many Olympics showing off their skills.
Maya Moore: Basketball
Kerri Walsh-Jennings: Beach Volleyball
Gabby Douglas: Gymnastics
Carli Lloyd: Soccer
Missy Franklin: Swimming
Serena Williams: Tennis
Allyson Felix: Track & Field
Most of these names many of you will recognize. They are some of the greatest and most decorated athletes that have graced multiple Olympic games. It's just not these seven athletes who are going to be in the Olympics this coming week, but 292 women athletes.
292 hearts and souls that will be competing for a medal and a chance on the Olympic pedestal.
In a world where men are still seen as the only people to be competing in sports, it is important to witness the pure power of these women during the Olympics. Even though they are women, they still have the power, grit and love to compete in a world where they are seen as masculine just because they sweat.
These women sweat because of the love for the game. They place for the love of the game. It doesn't matter their gender and it should never matter.
So, take some time to watch the soccer matches, swimming relays, a tennis match or a track and field meet while these women and many other conquer society's notions of them and earn a medal at the same time.
