It's hot and sunny out, and one of the most talked about, and covered news topics as of now is the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Occurring every four years, the tropical city in Brazil managed to pull it off, and has now seen some of the most impressive athletes in the world take center stage and score some medals.
However, instead of usually being excited to watch the events happen on television, I was unfortunately indecisive about watching them. Even worse, I was not excited to about a few of the problems that occured before the start of the events.
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Once I learned of how the Summer Olympics was happening in Rio, I was elated to watch them, as the Summer Olympics have always been great to watch. My earliest memory was way back in 2000, at the Sydney Summer Olympics. Personally, I have always found the summer events to be the most fun and energizing to watch. Swimming, gymnastics, track and field, you name it.
Not the biggest sport fanatic, but its nice to watch an event on television that unites the world together.
But back to the issue, honestly, I was hesitant to watch the 2016 Summer Olympics. Why you may ask? Just because of a few of the issues and controversies surrounding the 2016 Summer Olympics leading up to the actual events.
For example, the issues of sewage in the water around the bay of Rio de Janeiro, the outbreak of the Zika virus, the impeachment of former president Dilma Rousseff and construction issues of safety for the workers building the stadiums.
Weeks, and even days before the opening ceremony for the Olympics, portions of the bay around Rio de Janeiro were tainted with sewage, and raised an issue of safety for the athletes, especially for those competing in rowing and similar events. Just the idea of passing by trash and toxic materials in the water, or worse, swimming through it, is just plain disgusting. It also makes you think about how caring the Brazilian government is of the environment.
Not to say they do not care for the safety of the athletes or public, but you would think that they would take care of the place so that the people in attendance can have a lasting, and positive memory of the area.
Another issue concerning the local environment was the outbreak of the Zika virus. Carried by mosquitoes, it seemed the whole world was in a panic over the disease, as it was known for causing major birth defects to newborns. The tropical environment would only propagate and nurture the insects need for food.
Aside from president Dilma Rousseff and construction issues concerning the games, I went ahead, and turned on the television to watch the opening ceremony.
Needless to say, it was beautiful, and I decided to watch more of it. All of the colors, symbolism, actors and decorations, it was quite a spectacle.
What made me want to participate and watch the events was the natural instinct of supporting Team USA. Just the burning need and desire of patriotism and pride for one's own country felt amazing, and seeing up and coming America sweethearts like Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles, it also felt inspiring to see them just destroy the competition and win grace and poise.
It almost makes me want to start swimming, just to get in shape and be the best I can.
So overall, these Olympics have been great so far, and I have been enjoying every minute so far. And needless to say, I cannot wait for 2020 at the Summer Olympics at Tokyo.
