Every four years an amazing sporting event occurs, the Summer Olympics. While this is a time for sport fans to see the best of the best compete in their events it is also a time where nations can come together to cheer each other and the world on. The Olympics create a special buzz unlike any other due to its size, the competition, and the feel-good stories that come out of every Olympic games. This Rio Olympics will be no different and here are the events, teams, and individuals to keep an eye on this Olympic Games.
The New Sports
While there are only two new sports to these Olympic games they have taken very different paths towards becoming an Olympic game. The first sport is golf which has been on the global stage for decades and was a little surprising to be chosen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to its history as a stand alone sport with many tournaments being held around the world. The second sport is newer although it has become a personal favorite, which is Rugby Sevens.Rugby Sevens takes a similar form as traditionally rugby albeit with seven players on the field instead of the traditional 15 players. These games are short but intense and fun for anyone to watch. On the women's side of the game, the United States has a diverse roster of women from different backgrounds including a woman from Alaska who never played rugby until about three years ago but dominated the field and rink previously playing Division 1 hockey and soccer.
The Old Favorites
While many of the sports are returning there are definitely some of the more popular ones to look our for. Men's and Women's soccer is always a must watch with some of the best athletes of their kind playing for their countries in hopes of bringing home gold for their country. Also popular are Athletics or Track and Field as well as Swimming which provides both team and individual competitions many of which makes your heart race as you watch these athletics head towards the finish line. Lastly, volleyball always makes a huge splash at the Olympic games whether it is on the court or on the beach these games are always close and fun to watch.
The Returning Champs
Some Olympians in this years games are quite familar with the Olmpics and some seek to uphold their reputation for gold. Those teams include the U.S. Womens Soccer team who are seeking their fourth consecutive gold medal at this games and hopes to be the first women's team to win back to back World Cups and Olympics. Another U.S hopeful and defending her title is beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings who is also seeking her fourth consecutive gold medal, although this time with a new partner April Ross. Lastly, going back to the pool Michael Phelps is back for his fifth Olympics where he has become the most decorated Olympian in any sport from any nation.
The Newcomers
There are also many newcomers to these games such as the 18 year old U.S. Women's Soccer player Mallory Pugh playing in her first professional tournament. U.S. teen Ginny Thrasher who won the first Rio gold metal in the 10-meter air rifle who just began shooting only four years ago. Also newcomers from countries such as Kosovo and South Sudan who have their first Olympians in their nations history.
The Refugee Team
Perhaps the most uplifting story to come from the Olympic games so far is the refugee team that includes ten athletes who have fled their country due to turmoil and are competing as a team. One member of this team is swimmer Yusra Mardini who while fleeing her nation swam and pushed her boat to safety as it began taking on water, saving all 20 who were on board. Each of these athletes are elite in their field and are a must watch this Olympics.
The Controversy
However, as it is with many Olympic games, there is some controversy that has clouded the Olympics. First within Brazil itself, the looming threat of the Zika virus as well as half completed stadiums and hotel locations for the athletes. This is also important while considering that Brazil is suffering economically with much of the nation living in poverty. Additionally, some of the water which was supposed to be swam in was filled with pollution and may not be deemed possible to be swam in. There has also been controversy surround athletes and doping with much of the Russian team being banned from this Olympic games as well as some weightlifters from Belgium as well as Russia. Cycling was also considered to be removed as an Olympic sport due to the various doping scandals that have plagued the sport in recent years.
Overall, this Olympics seems to be focused on breaking barriers. Whether it is nations allowing more female athletes to compete, such as Saudi Arabia who doubled the number of female athletes from the 2012 Olympics or teams such as the refugee team who can find hope and represent all refugees at the highest level even after horrific events. Even those who are not much of an underdog are worth cheering for as it brings a nation together and gives them all something to celebrate even in the toughest of times.
