Every two years there comes a time for countries to unite and ban together. If you can't figure out what this event might be with that basic description then you my friend have been living under a rock, it's the Olympic Games of course! July 27 will mark the beginning of the 2012 Summer Olympics, which will be held in London, England this year.
If you paid any attention to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, you might recognize names such as Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson, Tyson Gay, and Justin Gatlin from our very own team USA. Each Olympian has made a name for themselves and has made several appearances in the media, ranging anywhere from commercials promoting products to taking bong hits on Youtube, who Phelps was recognized for shortly after the 2008 games.
Unfortunately "Shawn Johnson will not be participating in the games, or any future competitions for that matter. According to USAGym.org, Johnson had this to say. "I still have the heart, drive, and desire to compete and help the USA at the London Olympics...unfortunately, it has become obvious that my left knee is not able to sustain the demands of gymnastics any longer. All I can do now is gracefully retire and thank everyone who has believed in me and my journey.
Of course the Olympics aren't solely about individual performances, who can forget the 1992 "Dream Team," which was arguably the most talented team to have ever taken the basketball court. What about the inspiring 1980 "Miracle on Ice?" A group of ragtag collegiate and amateur athletes took down the hockey dynasty that was the Soviet Union, who had won nearly every major event since 1954 at that time, and gritted out one of the most historic underdog stories.
Basketball, Soccer(Football to the rest of the world), and Swimming tend to be the only events people pay any attention to anymore but there really shouldn't be any surprises in these areas.
Phelps should dominate the swimming events like he did last year, but he might be looking to pass the torch on to the ofter overlooked Ryan Lochte. In men's soccer the US team failed to qualify, which is a big blow for the sport's progression in our country, but the current European champions, Spain, will be favored to win it all. The globally recognized Brazilian team, with five World Cup trophies, will be threatening Spain however, as they look to obtain the top prize that has eluded them for so many years.
The US women's national soccer team will be participating in the event though and they are surely among the favorites to win it all, along with other great teams such as Great Britain and last years World Cup champions, Japan.
Gold will be the aim for the US basketball team as they strive to retain the gold after the "Redeem Team" earned the gold back during the last summer Olympics. With the likes of Kobe, LeBron, and Durant on the team, it seems nearly impossible for the team to get anything less than the gold.
Although it will be exciting to see the national team succeed in the different sports, it will be even more exciting to watch our other Olympians achieve greatness as the underdogs, even if that means fighting to earn a bronze medal.
Of course the US won't excel in every single event the competition has to offer, especially with the likes of the World's fastest man and current world and Olympic record holder, Usain Bolt, taking to the track. Few could believe the scene of this six foot five inch man blowing past the competition with ease in both the 100m and 200m dash. Bolt's talent is only exceeded by his ego. Ever since his climb to success and fame, he hasn't let anyone forget who he is and what he has done.
According to the Associated Press, in regards to Justin Gatlin's impressive performance at the Prefontaine Classic, Bolt stated that, "I don't want to sound rude or anything, but I think Gatlin had his chance. I think Gatlin has a few guys to get past before he worries about me."
These Olympic games are no doubt going to showcase many familiar names but they are also anticipated to pave the way for the next generation of Olympians with names such as Missy Franklin,Jordyn Wieber, and Jordan Burroughs sure to appear. Hopefully the US maintains its strength in these games and ultimately stands a place above the competition at the winner's podium.
At a Glance:
Opening Ceremony and games will start on July 27 at 1pm on NBC.
The games will go on to the Closing Ceremony on August 12.
More information and details can be found on the games official website.
The event listings and dates can also be found under the Schedule & Results page of the official site.
The Prefontaine Classic will also be held June 1-2, results can be found here.
Team USA will also be determined in Eugene at the Olympic Trials, beginning June 21.
