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The 2016 Olympic Game's Overview

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2016 OLYMPIC GAMES IN RIO

The Olympic Games provide countries and cities an opportunity to put on a show for the entire world. It’s a source of national pride when a nation is able to host the Olympics. During the summer of 2016, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil was no different. Beginning with a brilliant opening ceremony, the games officially started on August 5th. With stars like Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps returning, the world knew they were in for some spectacular sport performances. However, with a recent outbreak of the Zika virus, there was certainly a level of concern about the health of the athletes and the spread of disease. These, along with some other surprises, ensured that the 2016 Rio Olympic Games would not be forgotten.

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The Zika virus was a serious concern for many people, athletes and citizens alike. Was it safe? How would Brazil ensure the health of the athletes? What consequences would this mass gathering have on the spread of disease? These, and many more questions, were asked leading up to the games. Some athletes decided not to attend in fear of the disease. Research, however shows that this fear was mostly without merit. A group of researchers determined, “For the individual non-pregnant traveller, [Zika virus] is a short febrile illness that leaves no [lasting consequences] (Zumla 2016).” Certain precautions were recommended such as wearing insect repellent and using a bed net if sleeping in a room without air conditioning. The bottom line can be found in this statement, “We believe that the Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro should not be cancelled. The number of visitors to the games is a tiny fraction (1%) of other visitors to Zika endemic countries and it will have no measurable effect on the risk of spreading Zika virus, if the games was cancelled.” (Zumla 2016)

Over the years, the Olympic Games have come to include many different events. Some events, such as the foot races, are similar to those competitions first hosted in Greece all those years ago. Other events, like ping pong in the summer games or snow boarding in the winter games, haven’t been around quite as long. In Olympic Games prior to Rio, Usain Bolt had broken records in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash. With Bolt returning, many anticipated another astounding performance. The 100-meter dash took place on August 14, 2016. During the race, “He lagged early. But he quickly found the gear that only he has, bounding past Gatlin to claim his third consecutive gold.” (Park 2016) Justin Gatlin, an athlete from the United States of America, beat Usain Bolt out of the blocks but didn’t have enough gas to hold him off. After the race, Usain Bolt took his time celebrating with the fans. He made his victory lap and took plenty of selfies with fortunate fans. Bolt stated, “They like to be a part of the competition. Not just watching it." (Park 2016)

Michael Phelps, born in 1985, has certainly had his ups in downs when it comes to the Olympic Games. In 2008 he won 8 gold medals in Beijing, an incredible feat. Four years later he seemed to crumble under the pressure. In Rio, he was determined to make his fifth and final Olympic Games memorable for the right reasons. He did so by becoming the first swimmer to win the gold in an event for four straight Olympics. That event was the 200-meter individual medley (Park 2016). Phelps, who has spent years in the spotlight, seemed poised and mature when interviewers spoke with him in Rio. Ryan Lochte and other swimmers could be heard encouraging Phelps to return in four more years but Michael claimed to be content with this being his last performance and returning to “normal life” with his family.

Aimee Boorman had coached Simone Biles since Simone was 8 years old. Simone, now 19, was the favorite to win the women’s individual all-around gymnastics competition. She didn’t disappoint, winning the gold by an authoritative margin. Another young female athlete from the United States of America was Katie Ladecky. Katie, just 19 years old, proved her prowess in the pool by winning four gold medals. She was the youngest member of the US women’s swim team in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. What’s incredible about Ladecky, is her ability to win both the sprint and distance events. It’s unheard of. Speaking of Katie, Michael Phelps said, “What she is doing in the sport is ridiculous, it’s insane.” (Park 2016)

Jared Ward, an athlete hailing from Kaysville, Utah, ran in his first Olympic marathon. Though he didn’t medal, many were surprised at his speed and toughness. He ultimately finished in 6th place after having the race of his life. He also won the United States Marathon Championships in 2015. Perhaps part of his success has come from his knowledge of the sport. After all, he did write his master's thesis on “optimal pace strategy in a marathon.” He currently teaches at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT (Crouse 2016).

To wrap things up, there’s nothing like a scandal. Ryan Lochte and some fellow swimmers were involved in an altercation which left many people scratching their heads. In the end, it seemed as though Mr. Lochte simply exaggerated a run-in with some local security guards at a gas station. The swimmers participated in some acts of minor vandalism which led to the mystery which may have tainted the games for some. Although Lochte may have experienced a lapse in judgment, his laps in the pool have been nothing less than impressive. He is the second most decorated swimmer in US history behind teammate, Michael Phelps (Pressler 2016).

With the Zika virus under control, returning stars, and some fantastic performances, the Olympic Games once again proved to be a wonderful source of entertainment for the world. Until 2020 the world will have to wait to gather together once again to witness the spectacle of sport only provided by the Olympic Games.

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