The 2016 Summer Olympics are fastly approaching, and have continuously been a hot topic in the media for various reasons, and few being about the athletes. The Zika Virus, security concerns and budget management have seemed to remain in the limelight, while the athletes have seemed to be forgotten. In just two short months, the opening ceremony for the games will begin, and here are the athletes to watch for.
Michael Phelps returns.
Yes. You read right, Phelps is set to compete in Rio for what’s likely to be his last games. Even though he’s 31, and a new dad, he’s sure to be a major competitor.
Simone Biles, gymnast.
If you haven’t heard about this 4-foot-9 powerhouse gymnast, than you need to watch YouTube. She’s remained undefeated since 2013, and is the current national and world champion gymnast. There is even a tumbling pass named “The Biles” after her. Many believe her to be the next Mary Lou Retton.
Usain Bolt’s final race?
After the closing of the 2012 London Olympics, Bolt adamantly claimed that Rio would be his last games and he would retire at the end of the games. Usain made history and this is likely to be his last race.
Gabby Douglas possibly to compete again.
Douglas competed in the 2012 Olympic games, winning the all-around gold medal in gymnastics. Her story inspired many, and she became known for the documentary on her life and now reality T.V. show. She has her sights set on competing again in 2016, which would make her the second female gymnast to compete in back to back games, and the first since 1980.
U.S. Women’s soccer team.
Coming off a World Cup win, these ladies have a fighting chance at bringing home another victory to the U.S. There have only been five women’s soccer events in the Olympic games.
Ashton Eaton, USA, Decathlon runner.
Eaton is favored to be first two-time gold medalist decathlon runner since Daley Thompson in Britain in 88. In the 2012 games Eaton was the youngest member of the U.S. decathlon team being 24, he shocked everyone by winning the gold in the event, and has been on the rise ever since.
NBA stars take the games.
We’re talking Durant, Draymond Green, Irving and Harrison Barnes, will be representing the U.S. on the court in Rio. The U.S. team has proven themselves as a team to beat, having won the last three Olympic games, and with this team they’re likely to win a fourth.
Missy Franklin, swimmer. 
Franklin was only 17 when she competed at the 2012 Olympics winning four gold medals. Though she’s suffered a back injury since then, she’s projected to come back stronger than before. She currently holds the world record for 200-meter backstroke and the American record for 200 and 100-meter backstroke.
Serena Williams, tennis.
Williams is currently ranked the number one Women’s tennis player in the world, Williams has made it to the finals of nearly every cup she’s competed in this past year, and in her career since 1998 she has won 70 of the 90 she’s competed for. Williams is a force to be reckoned with, and will represent the U.S. well in Rio.
Shelly- Ann Fraser Pryce, the female Bolt?
At just five feet tall, Pryce is yet another example of Jamaica’s talent on the track. Having won the gold in the 100-meter sprint the past two Olympic games, Shelly-Ann is favored to win despite battling hamstring tears.
Allyson Felix, sprinter.
At 30-years-old, Feliz has been an Olympic regular since she was 18 in 2004. Since then she has won two silver medals and three gold medals. In Aug. 2015 she broke the U.S record for World Championship medals, after winning her ninth medal in the 400 meter sprint. Felix is impressive and there’s no doubt she’ll be a strong competitor in Rio.
Kerri Walsh and April Ross, volleyball.
The era of Kerri and Misty has ended, and now we can look forward to a new dynamic duo on the court, Kerri and April. Although Kerri suffered a shoulder injury in September, she and April have placed in every event since her return. Making them the official team to watch at the Olympics.
Lochte head-to-head with Phelps.
These two going face to face has continued to be one of the fan favorites each Olympics. However, now that both of the swimmer have reached their thirties, this is likely to be the final Lochte Phelps race we see.
