Over the course of just a few short weeks, the Olympics occurred. Of course, there were moments of victory, failure, and drama. Most if not all sports require dedication and maximum effort to be given. The Olympics itself is the epitome of the greatest athletes in the country. Many of the Olympians train for most of their life in order to have a shot at the opportunity to compete.
Some of the final events were the men’s volleyball final, women’s rhythmic gymnastics, and the men’s basketball final. After each one, the closing ceremony inched a little closer. Yet this year’s Olympics has truly been great. People have had the opportunity to see some new faces like that of Simone Biles.
Yet the Olympics also offered us a final sports focused glance for other Olympians like Michael Phelps. Each Olympian has given their all in order to pursue victory for themselves and their country. A huge congratulations goes out to each participant in the games for achieving such a high physical standard. Though the entire time in Rio was not filled with such success. One of the biggest events that occurred was Ryan Lochte’s exaggerated robbery.
Money was taken from Lochte and his team members. Though this was done after an argument had occurred between Lochte and security guards. Long story short Lochte and his team originally provoked the guards. Yet either way, the athlete Ryan Lochte did end up apologizing for his behavior and exaggeration. The consequences for Lochte’s behavior have not yet been decided.
Drama aside, many Olympians were raking in the gold. Simone Biles finished with four gold medals and one bronze. Her beauty and precision on the floor enraptured judges as well as fans from across the globe. Michael Phelps, who is supposedly going into retirement, finished with five gold medals and one silver. Usain Bolt also is at the top of his game, winning his ninth Olympic gold medal.
The United States seems to have topped the country chart for the medal count.Throughout the 16 days, America has seen the best and the worst moments. Amongst the victors is the island of Fiji, which has won it’s first ever Olympic medal in rugby. Wayde van Niekerk from South Africa also is now in the record books for his time in the 400-meter race. Niekerk’s time was 43.3 seconds which beats Michael Johnson’s time from 1999.
With all the hype and patriotism involved, there were also some letdowns. For America, the women’s soccer team did not win a single medal. Also, Australia’s Cate Campbell had some pretty strong pressure to win. Campbell was the world record champ in 100-meter races. Yet this year in the Olympics she placed sixth in the same competition.
One thing to remember is that sports are extremely difficult. Plus there are many other factors as to why athletes might not have performed as best they could. Their families might be going through a hard time, or they might not feel good. You never really truly know. Yet many if not all the Olympians put their heart and soul into their sports as they went for gold.
Many of the same Olympians hope to make a return to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. This is four years away which gives them some time to relax. Simone Biles hopes to take a long break after her Kellogg’s Gymnastics tour. Michael Phelps plans on marriage and fatherhood for baby Boomer. With the four years a while a way each olympian has time to relax, even if it is just for a little while.
