There has been a lot of intense build-up for the Rio Summer Olympics that are occurring now. Some of the obvious athletes are swimming, flipping, and running their way to a medal or two; but, there are some athletes who have slid a little under the radar. These are the people that you should keep an eye on.
1. Laurie Hernandez
There are some amazing gymnasts leading the USA team this year: Simone, Aly, and Gabby. After Laurie was taken out of competing for the All-Around competition, she focused on what she does best - beam. Her performance allowed her to grab second place and qualify for the beam final. At only 16, and the youngest on the USA team, she has nothing to worry about. I'm sure she will medal this year, and has some time to train for the next Olympics.
2. Madison Kocian
Just like Laurie, Madison is not competing in the All-Around competition; but, her uneven bar performance placed her in the final, where everyone expects her to excel. If the 19 year old has a flawless routine like in the qualifiers, she should clinch a Gold medal. Plus, there's always the All-Around team competition for these two gymnasts also.
3. Adam Peaty
This 21 year old from England is a force to be reckoned with in the pool. He has already won a Gold in the Men's 100 Breaststroke, the first one for Team GB. No male has won a Gold for them in the pool for 28 years, and he was the one to break the drought. Keep an eye on this guy for the next couple years. He may become the new swimming icon.
4. Steele Johnson
At 20 years old, this diver is making his Olympic debut. He already won a silver with his partner, David Boudia, in the Men's synchronized 10m platform. Both will compete in the Men's 10m platform separately next week, and the USA is expecting big things.
5. Gaurika Singh
She is the youngest Olympian at Rio at only 13. Gaurika is from Nepal, and competed in the 100m backstroke. She may not have continued to the semifinals, but she sure made a splash. I expect us to be seeing plenty more of her in the years to come.
6. Australia's Women's Rugby Team
Rugby 7's was just introduced into the Olympics this year, and the teams came out fighting. Canada managed to hang on to the bronze medal, beating Great Britain. New Zealand and Australia, both infamous Rugby countries, battled their way to the final, and Australia clinched the first Gold medal ever awarded. These girls are definitely here to stay.
Everyone obviously has their favorites, and Michel Phelps never fails to surprise me by winning more Golds than anyone; but I promise you that these new up-and-coming athletes will be sticking around and continue to wow the world.
