120 years ago, athletes took the line for what would be known as the first Modern Olympics. Now, in just under a year, the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics will begin. From August 5th to the 21st, over 10,500 athletes from 305 nations will take part in 28 different disciplines in the worlds largest international multi-sport event. 33 venues spread across four regions, Barra da Tijuca, Copacabana, Deodoro, and Maracanã, and a large scale-scale urban waterfront revitalization project called Porto Maravilha were all built to increase the city centers attractiveness and global economy. This is the first Olympic games to be held in South America and the first to be held in Latin America since 1968.

Even though Rio is doing everything to ensure a successful Olympic Games, there are a few concerns on the completion of infrastructure projects and on the level of crime within Rio de Janeiro. Another concern is the level of pollution and the surrounding waters infested with dead fish. However, each Olympics has undergone issues, from bomb threats in London, to severe pollution levels in Beijing. Rio may be under criticism now, but it is unfair to pass judgement until after August 21st.

The competition throughout the year will continue to heat-up as the race for qualifying spots slowly fill up. Each individual sport has unique qualification standards and tournaments to determine who gets a spot in the Olympic Games. For example, the Jamaican, United States, and Brazilian teams have secured a spot in the men and women’s 4×100 and 4×400 meter relays due to their placement at this past summer’s world championship meet. The rest of the slots will be filled by rankings over the upcoming months.

Athletes to look out for over the next few months are Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, Great Britain’s Mo Farah and Tom Daley, and the United States’ Simone Biles. Bolt and Farah are reigning Olympic Champions and they both are coming off recent victories at the 2015 World Championship in Beijing. Whether or not Bolt doubles in the 100m and 200m is unknown because there are also relays to think about; either way, look for Usain Bolt to tower over his competitors down in Rio. Farah doubled in the London Olympics in the 5,000m and the 10,000m which is unheard of. With killer finishing speed and years of experience, Farah looks to keep his streak alive. After competing in his first Olympics at age 14 and winning his first world championship at 15, Tom Daley looks to come back from his bronze medal in London in the 10m diving competition. During the London Games, the United States “Fierce Five” gained national attention after sweeping the team title away from Russia with Gabby Douglas earning the overall individual gold medal. However, this time around, Simone Biles looks to be the gymnastics front runner after three consecutive world championship titles. She handily beat “Fierce Five” gymnasts Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman at the P&G Championships last month to make herself a favorite for an Olympic title.

Whether you enjoy sports or not, the Olympic games represent more than just each individual competition; they represent pride in your country and the spirit of the games. Decades have come and gone, wars have been fought, competitions have been won, and the Olympics have survived it all. When the Rio Olympics come on NBC next summer, be sure to tune in to watch your favorite American athletes.
Here are a few links to some inspirational, exciting videos on the Olympic Games:

London Link: http://www.olympic.org/videos/london-2012

Rio Link: http://www.teamusa.org/video/2014/08/04/ready-for-rio#ooid=9tY3BmbzpEJe0mF0SyJx6aOOM4CMepu0