The Olympics comes at a perfect time this year. The games arrive during an election year and catch the United States amidst a time of political turmoil: arguments spewing over presidential candidates, gun control and Malia Obama's right to dance in public. Although the games only last for 16 days, I am hopeful that the Olympic Games in Rio will allow the United States to seek true unity and celebration.

According to teamusa.org, Team USA 2016 is comprised of 554 athletes, 262 men and 292 women competing in 27 different sporting events. 554 athletes have achieved their dream of becoming Olympic athletes. That is something to celebrate. The United States proudly boasts the most women ever competing in a single Olympic Games, putting emphasis on the continuous expansion of opportunities for women in competitive sports. That is something else to celebrate.

As United States citizens, it is important to recognize the hard work and dedication these 554 athletes have put into their sport of choice. Many have spent hours in the gym, hours coordinating trips to competitions, hours fundraising in order to compete, hours discussing with coaches, hours dreaming of Rio. Their successes have not been achieved without hardships. The summer games are a culmination of these hours of dedication and persistence, some sports only requiring a brief number of seconds of competition, but carrying the meaning and importance of a lifetime.

Three Olympians are returning for their sixth Olympic games while 365 athletes revel in their Olympic debut. As Americans, we should unite in support for the athletes that proudly represent our nation and we should all be hopeful that we hear our anthem played as one of our athletes stands atop the podium. We must unite in prayers and well wishes for our athletes' safety throughout travel, competition, and from the Zika virus that threatens in Brazil. As Brazil struggles economically to support the Olympic Games instead of uniting in complaint and mockery, our nation should remain loyal to the advocacy of our own athletes.

554 athletes from 46 different states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands have joined together, all with one goal in mind. Gold. I believe it is time for us as Americans to join together like our athletes have. Each one of them and each one us with different histories, different religions, races, cultures, political opinions, and lives. All of us with one goal in mind. Support.