It is time once again when the world gathers to compete at the Summer Olympic Games. This year, they take place in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. There are 28 sports this year, with rugby-7s and golf entering the Olympic sport roster. You'll also hear the names such as Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, Ashton Eaton, Ryan Lochte, Matt Anderson, and Hope Solo a lot throughout the games. Sixteen days of fun and exciting competition indeed.
I believe that there are a few sports that are definitely worth watching in Rio. These sports are:
1. Swimming
Swimming is one of the more exciting sports to watch during the Olympics. What's better than seeing swimmers from all over the world splash in the pool doing breaststrokes and butterflies? It's exciting because you never know who's going to touch the wall and win first. Racing in the pool is definitely fun.
2. Football (soccer)
Soccer is definitely a worldwide favorite sport to not only play but watch. Both FIFA World Cups for men and women draw in millions of viewers across the globe. I have not doubt that will happen during the Olympics. Teams like Germany, Japan, Brazil, Portugal and the United States not only bring the challenge but a lot of action as well.
3. Athletics (track and field)
Like swimming, track and field always brings in some of the best competitors, which can equal more excitement. Jamaican Usain Bolt looks to break more world records in the 100-meter race. Ashton Eaton looks to become the world's greatest athlete by winning another gold in the decathlon. Each race can be decided by the nearest second or by a mile. Either way, you have fast runners, strong throwers (who tend to scream after each throw) and skilled jumpers. Track and field is definitely worth watching.
4. Volleyball (indoor and beach)
Volleyball is another exciting sport to watch. With beach volleyball, they're outside playing in the sand. With indoor volleyball, you can see players block the hardest hits and dig the ones that are hit. Volleyball is an intense and fun sport to play. I personally like beach volleyball because you're with only one other person working together in the sand. Kerri Walsh and April Ross headline the beach volleyball while Jordan Larson and Matt Anderson headline the indoor teams. If you like to watch intense back-and-forth action, volleyball is for you.
5. Gymnastics
What's better than seeing people do insane flips and tricks on a 4-inch balance beam and fly high over a horizontal bar? Gymnastics is exciting to watch for a specific reason: Simone Biles. The three-time World All-Around Champion is the heavy favorite to claim the coveted Olympic All-Around Gold Medal. It's been exactly four years since Team USA took gold in London and they have some fierce competitors. On the men's side, Sam Mikulak leads the team for redemption after disaster in London. Despite losing John Orozco to injury, Team USA looks strong. Both have tough competitors in Russia and Great Britain. Gymnastics start a few days after the opening ceremonies and is definitely a sport to watch.
6. Basketball
Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and NBA Champ Kyrie Irving lead Team USA as it tries and earns its third consecutive gold medal. Led by Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Team USA is a heavy favorite to win gold and will face tough teams in France, China and Spain. On the women's side, Sue Bird and UConn alum Breanna Stewart look to lead the team to its sixth consecutive gold medal and must get through Canada, Spain and China before thinking about earning a spot on the podium. If you like the NBA and WNBA, then you should watch basketball at the Olympics.
Like I said there are definitely other sports that are exciting such as diving with David Boudia, tennis with the Williams sisters, and wrestling with 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs.
My top six are not only exciting, but my favorite Olympic sports to watch.
Let the Games begin!
