The 2016 Olympics have arrived. It is the perfect time to sit back, relax and watch the best of the best work hard. While we are sitting watching, these athletes have put in countless hours and have one shot to perform to the best of their abilities. The US prides itself for its love of football and baseball, but the Olympics provide the perfect outlet for athletes outside of those to sports to gain the followers and appreciation that they deserve for all their hard work. These fun, action-packed two weeks are sure to get all viewers pumped. Everyone has their favorite Olympic sports whether it is due to a past love of the sport, a lust to be a certain type of athlete, a favorite athlete and the list continues. Here are a few sports that I cannot wait to watch.
1. Track and Field
As a high school track and field runner, I am stoked to watch the Olympic runners tear up the track. From the 100 meter dash to the hurdles to my favorite, the 800 meter, to the 10k, I cannot wait for the track events to start. Although I never have run at the same intensity level as the Olympic runners, I do know the dedication and perseverance that it takes when it comes to running. It is not only a race of athleticism, but a mental game. I am super excited to watch runners like Emily Infield (10K), Sydney McLaughlin (400H and only 18 years old!), as well as Matthew Centrowitz (1500m) and many more! Everyone cannot wait for the 100 meter dash to see whether or not Usain Bolt can repeat as a gold medalist or if any new talent can take center stage. The fun thing about running is that anyone can reign supreme. An athlete could have an amazing kick and come out of nowhere or someone could fall ill or get injured or false start. The options are endless. There is always an element of surprise in any running race which makes it all the more suspenseful. As my high school coach use to tell me when I was running the 800 meters, it all can come down to a lean across the line so make sure you push it until the end even if you have to fall over the finish line.
2. Gymnastics
Who doesn't love the gymnastics portion of the Olympics? The way that these world-class gymnasts are able to move their bodies. They have so much strength and spunk which makes it so fun to watch. The United States' women's gymnastics team, otherwise known as the Fab 5, has always been a team which combines teamwork and specialization which has made them a team to watch out for. They are known for bringing home gold, and lots of it. This year's women's team has two veteran Olympians, Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman, which is super fun to watch and see how they compete compared to the 2012 Olympics. The 3 additions are Madison Kocian, Laurie Hernandez and favorite, Simone Biles. I cannot wait to see what these ladies bring to the table this year! Although the female gymnasts are the talk of the town, don't forget the men! The US men's team is ready to bring home gold as well. It is fun to watch the men's routines as they incorporate different competitions like the pommel horse.
3. Swimming
The US has always had amazing swimmers which make watching the swimming portion of the Olympic Games so fun. From Michael Phelps, with more Olympic medals than you can count, to Ryan Lochte to Nathan Adrian to female swimmers, Katie Ledecky to Missy Franklin, the swimming portion of the Olympics should be so fun to watch. With many races throughout the span of the games, you are sure to be able to catch some action throughout. My favorite swimming events are the relays because you get the best of the best who are used to competing against one another on the same team. It is so fun to see how they manage to work together in hopes of medaling.
4. Marathon
Some may say that watching a 26.2 mile race is boring, but I love running and have SO much respect for marathoners that it makes it fun to watch. Unlike a mid-distance race like the 800 meter or a sprint like the 100 meter dash, a marathon is all about making sure that you are in control the whole race. A marathoner cannot get ahead of his/herself because if they pull away too soon they could die. It is a sit and slowly pull away race unlike anything else. Shalane Flanagan, one of my running heroes, represents the United States in the marathon. Although the marathon has typically been won by African countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, the United States brings our countries best who will give everyone a run for their money (or more appropriately, medal).
5. Beach Volleyball
I have always been a terrible volleyball player so I have major respect for volleyball players, especially the Olympic beach volleyball athletes. The United States has always been a powerhouse in this wheelhouse. Kerri Walsh Jennings has been a repeat Olympian for as long as I can remember. She was a part of the dream team with Misty May-Treanor, who has retired since the 2012 games. It is always fun to see Walsh Jennings in action. Beach volleyball is so fun to watch as it is only two volleyball players per team so there is lots of running back and forth. Also, since it is played on the beach it makes it that much harder for the athletes as they are running around in the sand. Watch out for Walsh Jennings as she goes for her 4th gold.
