The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will be nothing short of spectacular, although plenty of political brouhaha stemming from issues both in North America and Brazil may steal some of the sunshine. Then, of course, you have Michael Phelps vying for yet another round of Olympic gold. So what particularly can be expected this summer?
FIBA basketball will be intriguing
Although the United States is one of the last two Olympic basketball gold medals, we shouldn’t discount what other world teams have done by way of improving both defensively and in coaching since 2012. Coach K will lead his all-star cast in Group A, while Lithuania, Spain and the always powerful Argentina teams will headline Group B. Venezuela, Australia and China will try to dethrone the Americans in Group B, although those teams severely lack frontcourt depth.
While the United States has yet to determine their starting lineup this summer, expect several Golden State Warriors players to get strong consideration from both Jerry Colangelo and Coach K when selection begins.
Track and Field participant pool gets deeper
Usain Bolt rules the 100M field, but younger legs are definitely capable of setting a new world record the summer. Andre De Grasse, the Canadian sprinter who grabbed the bronze alongside American Trayvon Bromell last year at the world championships in Beijing, may finally around the corner if Bolt doesn’t prepare ahead of time.
Bolt prefers 200-metre heats, but at nearly 30, the younger hopefuls may outlast the Jamaican even in the event he normally dominates.
Hostess without the mostest?
In usual fashion, American participants are expected to take home the most gold medals, predicted by NBC Sports to corral 97 medals overall. The Chinese more than likely finish middle of the pack somewhere in the 60 medal range, with the Australians poised to grab around 42 metals.
The continent of Africa will surprise us this year despite the absence of blade runner Oscar Pistorius.
Security to the hilt
Few remember the massacre of 11 Israelis at the 1972 Munich games, but millions witnessed a horrific attack in Paris — while millions more are still hurting from the World Trade Center fiasco. It goes without saying that Rio’s state security chief Jose Mariano Beltrame will address the safety of all athletes and fans well before the torch is lit.
An expected 65,000 security personnel will be hand with an additional 15,000 on call. With Congress granting a 90-day visa waiver for foreigners visiting Rio, the population of the Brazilian city during Olympic festivities could easily triple, meaning other countries may be called upon to offer additional policing.
Experts believe that if anybody was intending to attack during the summer games, the plan is already in place and the perpetrators are already in the country. So a sense of nervousness should be expected from government officials beginning well before the opening ceremonies.
Host country Brazil, not exactly known for much other than soccer, are predicted to take home between 27 and 30 medals in Rio.
Last laps for Phelps?
Just four short years ago, championship swimmer Michael Phelps wanted nothing to do with measured out pools of water. Equating his training for 2012’s historic run to “pulling teeth”, many thought London would be Phelps’ only year atop world standings. As he trains for Rio, Phelps has decided to be at peace with whatever results come his way. Which may be minimal for the 31-year-old Maryland native, given this year’s field is much stronger.
Sun Yang, China’s version of the American standout swimmer, will dominate the 400 m at 1500 m freestyle events, with a strong shot at the 200 m. Of course I wouldn’t discount the South African swimmer who edged out Phelps for the 200 m butterfly gold in London, Chad Le Clos.
And no, this will not be Michael Phelps’ last time in an Olympic pool.
Check back here for coverage of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
