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10 Athletes To Keep An Eye On In Rio

The best of gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, swimming, diving, track, fencing and soccer

Hannah Griffiths

Aug 08, 2016

Wilkes University

11

10 Athletes To Keep An Eye On In Rio

Variety Village

From table tennis to beach volleyball, there is a wide array of talented athletes from around the world to keep our eyes on. Experienced athletes Kerri Walsh-Jennings, 37 (beach volleyball), will be competing in her fifth Olympic Games; on the other hand, newbie, Simone Biles, 19 (artistic gymnastics), will make her debut appearance for the United States.

Everyone get ready for Rio 2016, because here are 10 American athletes you should watch out for in the 2016 Olympics:

1. Simone Biles: Gymnastics

Only standing at 4'9" Simone Biles is said to be the next Gabby Douglas. Biles has already set world records, including winning 10 World gold medals. Biles' signature and favorite performance is floor.

2. Michael Phelps: Swimming

Phelps still hold his title strong as the most decorated Olympian of all time. Since we've last seen him in 2012, Phelps has accepted a position at Loyola University, and, most importantly, became a father to his son, Boomer. He, to this day, still holds many world records, such as the 200 meter butterfly, Phelps' specialty.

3. Paul George: Basketball

After suffering a horrific leg injury in 2014, Indiana Pacers' Paul George will be making his way to Rio for his debut in the Olympics. George has made a full recovery and is expected to play a key role for the USA team.

4. Allyson Felix: Track & Field

From being a college athlete to world famous runner, Allyson Felix has made several world records. This will be Felix's fourth Olympic Games.

5. Kerri Walsh-Jennings- Beach Volleyball

Rio 2016 will be Jennings' fifth appearance in the Olympics. During most of her Olympic career, you can see her shoulder is always taped. Sadly, this took a toll on Kerri, she had shoulder surgery this passed year. Will this make her an even better athlete than she was before?

6. Ibtihaj Muhammad- Fencing

Muhammad will become the first person to ever wear a hijab in the Olympics. Muhammad has collected five medals in her career so far, one gold and four bronze. With this cultural movement will Muhammad rise above?

7. Hope Solo: Soccer

Solo has a lot to live up to following her performance in the 2015 World Cup. Solo, goalkeeper, 35, is one of the most talented athletes to step foot into a stadium. Rio will be Hope's third Olympic Games.

8. Sam Mikulak: Gymnastics

Standing at 5'6" tall, 140 pounds, Sam Mikulak will be taking on Rio for his second Olympics. Mikulak was named Team Captain for playing his key role in 2012.

9. Alisha Glass: Indoor Volleyball

Glass is a recent graduate of Penn State University where she was the star setter. She then joined the Team USA to compete in the World Championship in 2014. This summer she will be setting for Team USA in the Games.

10. Steele Johnson: Diving

This will be Steele's first time around at the Olympics. Johnson is currently studying at Purdue University.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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