The 2016 Rio Olympics: An Overview
The Olympics hold a special place in the hearts of many Americans. This year the 2016 Summer Olympics were held in Rio, Brazil. The 2016 Rio Olympics marked the first time a South American Country hosted the Olympics. The Rio Olympics instituted the sport of Rugby and reinstated golf from its 112-year leave. The US Olympic Team consisted of an outstanding 558 athletes (264 men and 294 women). The team triumphantly left Rio with a medal count of 121! This was marked as the largest medal count for the US in a non-boycotted game. There was tremendous talent amongst the group. Featured athletes included Michael Phelps, The Final Five, and (for better or worse) Ryan Lochte.
The legendary Michael Phelps astounded the Rio crowds with his newly established title as the “Greatest Olympian of all time.” Across his five time Olympic career he earned 23 Olympic gold medals under his belt (28 overall). This journey has finally come to an end as he has now officially retired from his Olympic Career.
The Final Five, consisted of Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Lauren Hernandez, Gabby Douglas, and Madison Kocian. The dream team stole gold, winning by a large margin, while Russia and China took second and third. They took the spotlight in the media for their great achievements. In the next Summer Olympics, the gymnastics teams will consist of four members, so the Final Five is the last 5-member gymnastics team to win gold.
The infamous Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte was seemingly the talk of the Rio Olympics, however, it had more to do with his affairs outside the pool. On August 14, 2016 Lochte claimed that he and three other teammates were held at gunpoint and robbed by men wearing police badges. He later added details of the event stating that the gun was raised to his head. However, the Brazilian police claim Lochte himself actually vandalized the gas station bathrooms. Video surveillance proves Lochte’s claims as valid, however, he was charged with fabricating the events that took place.
