If you don’t know that the Olympic Games in Rio are starting tonight, you might be a hermit or been backpacking for a year without internet. Guys! I am so excited for the Olympics!
Today I’m linking up for the Friday Five with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia. Make sure you check out their awesome blogs as well as those who join the link up!
There are so many sports, but here’s what I’m most looking forward to during the Games.
- Steeplechase: Did you see the article Runner’s World did on the American steeplechasers Emma Coburn and Evan Jager? I love that it’s a combination of straight running with hurdles and obstacles. Ups, downs, water, flats. It’s crazy and anything can happen.
- Swimming: The US has been dominant in the indoor swimming events since 2000. This is probably Michael Phelps last Games (I know, he keeps saying that), but there’s also many new people on the US team this year. Personally, I love the relays, the individual medley, the backstroke, and the butterfly events. The finals are always the best, but the prelims have surprises.
- Women’s Gymnastics: I’m most a fan of the more athletic section of the sport, particularly the women’s all-around. Seriously, have you guys seen the talent, spunk and diversity on the US women’s team this year? Olympic champions, world champions, awesome routines. I am so excited! And not to leave out the rhythmic teams- I love watching them when I’m at the gym. The US doesn’t have a strong team, but the former Soviet and eastern European teams rock.
- Beach Volleyball: I particularly love watching women’s doubles. Misty May and Kerri Walsh dominated for many years, and I’m excited to see how Kerry Walsh Jennings and April Ross fair against the rest of the world. And the gutsy confidence and strength that it takes to play volleyball in a tiny bikini in front of millions on hot sand- amazing.
- Distance Running- Marathon/10k/5k: 5k may seem short to marathoners, but in the world of Olympic track and field- it’s a long event. I find it hard to watch an entire marathon, but now that I’m familiar with some of the names on the US and world stage, it’ll be fun to see how they do. And the 5k and 10k are fast races- man do they fly! The spectre of doping (in Russia and allegation in the US) may dampen the events a little, but it will be really interesting to see how it’s handled.
CREDIT: Al Tielemans
Bonus: I love the Opening Ceremony. It’s not a sporting event, but it’s a calendar event for me. I get together with friends, we make food connected with the host country, and watch the athletes enter the stadium and the cultural spectacle.
Credit: Associated Press
What do you think of the Russian running doping scandal? What’s your favorite event to watch in the Olympics?
I love all of the ones you mentioned, plus women’s soccer. I totally fell in love with women’s soccer when my son started watching professional soccer games.
Even though I love running I can’t say that is my favorite to watch. I was in gymnastics when I was younger so I always liked watching that and still do.
I’m not as big a fan of track & field; gymnastics is probably my favorite event. And the ones people never mention that I like are diving & equestrian. I do enjoy the beach volleyball – Kerry Walsh (forget her married name) is amazing!
Love everything you mentioned! I LOVE watching the marathon – the elites are so dang fast. Looking forward to talking about the opening ceremonies tomorrow morning 🙂
We are watching the Opening Ceremony and will catch bits and pieces throughout the event. I like the gymnastics and the running, but I just don’t have time to sit and watch more of it.