I love the Olympics. I go hard. I get out all of my United States of America gear and go all out. I find myself freaking out over sports that most people never knew where sports...like handball and race walking. I cry every time I see the clip of Kerri Strug sticking that landing with torn ligaments in her ankle from the 1996 Summer Games. I find myself screaming at my TV when Michael Phelps adds another medal to his collection. I beam with pride no matter what country wins when athletes are standing on that gold medal podium in tears as their flag is raised high in the air and their national anthem plays. If they cry...I cry too.

If you haven't figured it out yet...I love the Olympics.

This year's Olympics are already shaping up to be history in the making and one of my favorites yet!

This is the first Olympics to be hosted by a South American country. Brazil has had it's share of problems in preparation for these games. It had been called into question numerous times if they would even be able to pull it off. We are only into the first few days of competition, but their rocking Opening Ceremonies party was amazing. I always get chills when it comes to the Opening Ceremony, but I loved the party that the people of Rio de Janeiro threw for the world.

The parade of nations is one of my favorite things ever. I love seeing the outfits, hearing the stories, and discovering nations I never knew existed. Tonga...who knew? Well...their flag bearer wanted to make sure that you knew about his country.

There are five big reasons that I'm super excited for this year's Olympics, to be honest, I'm excited about the Olympics for all the reasons, but these five just make me super excited!

1. Michael Phelps

Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medals. When he busted on the Olympic scene in Sydney in 2000, I don't think anyone knew what this swimmer was going to do. Then came the Athens games...Phelps became a household name. Then in the 2008 games, he exploded. He was golden. There was no stopping him. He returned for the 2012 games and rocked again. Even though it has not been officially announced, this is most likely Phelps last Olympic games.

I feel like I have grown up watching Phelps swim. I have no doubt that Phelps is going to walk away with more hardware for his collection, but even if he doesn't I think he had the highest honor of any American athlete, he was the flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies. Since Phelps has always had races the next day he rarely participates in the opening ceremony, but how could he pass up this opportunity? The smile on his face says it all.

2. Team USA Women's Soccer

These ladies are looking to be the first women's soccer team in the history of the sport to follow up a World Cup win with an Olympic victory. You know what? They will most likely do just that because girls run the world.

3. Team USA Women's Gymnastics

One of my fondest memories as a child was watching the 1996 Magnificent Seven win the gold. This year's group of young ladies are the ultimate squad goals. Just look at how cute they are! With 2012 veterans Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman along with raising superstars Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian, these ladies are podium bound! I can't wait to watch their amazing run!

4. The First Ever Refugee Team

For the first time, the International Olympic Committee formed a team made of refugees. All of this to bring even more awareness to the growing worldwide refugee crisis. Their stories are amazing. Even if they don't win medals, the standing ovation they received at the opening ceremonies is worth it all.

5. The World Seems At Peace

For two weeks, the differences that countries have with each other seems to be gone. I think about America right now and how divided things are, for two weeks we all seem to rally behind each other. During the Olympics, we seem to see what is best in each other and cheer each other on. It is just beautiful.

Go Team USA and go world!