Cue The 'Star Spangeled Banner,' Patriotism Reigns
Start writing a post
Sports

Cue The 'Star Spangeled Banner,' Patriotism Reigns

The United States triumph in Rio.

12
Cue The 'Star Spangeled Banner,' Patriotism Reigns
YouTube

Ah, the Summer Olympics; the one time every four years where it is truly OK to sit around the house all afternoon and evening since, you know, you are being patriotic and supporting some stellar athletes. However, in case you were too busy to catch up or simply don't find the Olympics as exciting as I do, I hope to dazzle you with the fact that the United States completely dominated in Rio and earned 121 medals in all, breaking the original record set back in London in 2012 with 103.

First, in the gymnasium, we had the "Final Five" reigning across the board with Simone Biles stealing the spotlight on the balance beam, Aly Raisman, and Laurie Hernandez wooing the audience during their floor performances, Madison Kocian nailing her flips and twists on the uneven bars and the veteran, Gabby Douglas, bringing an excellent effort to the team as a whole. These girls thoroughly brought their A-game when it came to competing on the floor and also, off the floor encouraging and rooting on alongside their fellow teammates when they completed their routines. But, in addition, the girls' were taken by surprise as Zac Efron made a guest appearance in the stands (talk about a number one fan).

On Copacabana Beach, we had Keri Walk Jennings and her partner--in-crime, April Ross, score bronze in volleyball after making a remarkable comeback from their loss against Brazil. Though Jennings has gold running through her veins, it made me (and I am sure her as well) incredibly proud to see that their work did not go unrecognized or undecorated. Likewise, on the courts, we had both the men and women teams earn bronze, which, nonetheless, was a major accomplishment.

However, on the basketball court, the women dribbled and dunked their way up to the top and ended up champions, earning themselves the gold against their final match versus Spain.

On the track, there was a clean sweep in the 100-meter hurdles by Americans, Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin, making this a "first ever" in Olympic history.

In the blue swimming pool (yes, I had to clarify due to was a filter issue in the diver's pool earlier on in the week which made the water green), making her mark in the pool was Simone Manuel, the first African-American woman to win a gold in an individual swimming event (Who runs the world? Girls!) and if you happen to miss the reaction on her face when she won, allow me to show you:

Watching her compete even left me that speechless as she defied all odds. In an interview, she even stated herself that she was in complete shock upon earning such a high honor.

Secondly, we had Katie Ledecky who made a major breakthrough in her swimming career in comparison to four years ago and racked up four golds and a silver. (Phelps better watch out, she may be breaking his record one day!)

Then, the women's water polo team ended up dominating over Italy, 12-5, and one player, in particular, Ashleigh Johnson, was given major props for her consistency and practically immaculate hand-eye-coordination skill. (Not to mention how incredibly high she could reach out of the water and deflect the ball with her massive wing span.)

And last but certainly not least, we had the legend himself, Michael Phelps ending his career with a "splash" and "swimming" off into the sunset with some new bling. He earned six medals (five gold and one silver...insanity) and now, he has a grand total of 28 medals. In fact, if we were to make Michael Phelps a country, only counting his gold medal count, he would be tied with South Africa in 38th place for the most gold medals earned. From this standing, he would be ahead of 32 teams competing in Rio right now.

While it is unfortunate that Phelps will not be returning back to the 2020 Olympics taking place in Tokyo, I most certainly cannot wait to see who rises to the top and continues their career as an Olympian. Will there still be a "Final Five?" Will Katie Ledecky return even stronger than ever? Will Boomer Phelps be participating? These are the question I yearn to have answered.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71156
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133060
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments