2016 GUIDE to the GAMES the People, Places and Stories to Watch in Brazil RIO 2016 ABOUT RIO City to Serve up Its Signature Beauty, Culture and Celebration Style

SHOOTING JOHN DOE NEW YORK, N.Y.

2016 GUIDE TO THE GAMES The People, Places and Stories to Watch in Brazil RIO 2016 ABOUT RIO City to Serve up its Signature Beauty, Culture and Celebration Style

If you’ve traveled south to wide tourists? If its history is ture necessary to welcome mer sun. have been made to minimize Rio de Janeiro, you under- any indication, it will be a large crowds. This includes Olympians may get a few social inequality and mod- stand its importance to Brazil grand host to the largest accommodations, lodging breaks, as the coastal areas ernize the economy of Rio. as an absolute hotspot for sporting event in the world. and destinations within the are cooler than those situated Special initiatives are under tourism. An expansive sea- center of the city. Rio served inland. This is due to the way to advance these goals, side city, Rio is such an inter- A CELEBRATION FIT as a host city for the 2014 cooling breeze blowing in and hopefully hosting an national draw because of its FOR THE OLYMPICS FIFA World Cup, welcoming from the Atlantic Ocean. No attraction as large as the beautiful beaches and vibrant Rio is no stranger to rolling millions of fans from around matter the temperature, fans Olympics will only help the city center. out the red carpet. Every year, the world. of the Olympics will be treat- city and country achieve But in August of 2016, Rio its raucous Carnival festival ed to a gorgeous setting. these objectives. will be known for its perfor- features parade floats, flam- THE CLIMATE Sprawling vegetation and roll- Opportunities for jobs or mance as the host city of the boyant costumes and tourists AND LANDSCAPE ing rainforests will serve as volunteering also may help Summer Olympic Games from across the globe. The Rio is hot for most of the the perfect backdrop to an inject some economic pros- (Aug. 5- 21; Paralympic second largest city in Brazil, year, and rain is frequent international event of this perity within the city of Rio. Games scheduled for Sept. Rio is known for its ability to from December through magnitude. Many of the 100,000 people 7-18). How will the bustling throw a great party. March. August is generally a directly involved in delivering city bursting with culture and With a slew of cultural and dry, hot month, making it a SOCIAL IMPROVEMENTS the games — including 70,000 personality handle the extra historical attractions, Rio has perfect place for athletes to According to the country of volunteers — will be from the attention and influx of world- implemented the infrastruc- strut their stuff in the sum- Brazil’s website, major efforts Rio area. RIO 2016 OPENING CEREMONY Celebration May be Scaled Back but Still Reflect Country’s Culture

Olympic opening ceremonies typically feature flashy displays, such as this scene from Sochi in

2014. © IOC

Do you enjoy watching the economic situation is draw- place on the evening of recession, making this a THE STADIUM Summer Olympic Games ing major attention in Friday, Aug. 5 in Maracanã challenging time to ade- The Maracanã Stadium opening ceremonies nearly as today’s global economy. Stadium. The proceedings will quately host an Olympics played host to the 2014 much as the athletic events? Just because it may not include welcoming speeches, event of this magnitude. The World Cup, showing off its You may be in for a treat this rival London or Beijing in hoisting of the flags and the planning committee for the new one-tier seating bowl. summer. No one throws a terms of expense, however, parade of athletes with an opening ceremony has esti- There have been many other party quite like Rio de doesn’t mean the opening artistic spectacle to showcase mated that the Rio event will changes made to the stadi- Janeiro, so experts predict ceremony will be any less Rio’s vivacious culture. cost about one-10th of what um to get it ready for global one of the most vibrant, cul- extravagant. Rio has an The creative directors for London spent on its grand events such as the Olympics. turally focused opening cere- expanse of history and cul- the ceremony are two summer kickoff in 2012. Fans also may notice a monies in recent memory. tural diversity from which to Brazilian-renowned film There will be no complex new roof that covers 95 per- But officials have made it draw to put on one of the directors, giving fans hope aerial equipment or disap- cent of the seats in the stadi- clear that if you’re looking for best shows the Olympics has that their expectations will be pearing stages. The focus um. uber-expensive props and ever seen. met. will be on the performers These changes have all graphic effects, you may be and their lively costumes — been part of a larger effort to disappointed. Rio is getting WHEN & WHERE? A STRIPPED DOWN sure to be comprised of improve the facilities at the back to the basics, especially The opening ceremony of CEREMONY? bright colors and unique forefront of the Olympic during a time when its socio- the 2016 Olympics will take Brazil has been mired in a features. experience. RIO 2016 A LOOK AT THE VENUES Rio and Surrounding Areas to Welcome Athletes, Spectators

Just as unique as the athletes battling it out for gold medal supremacy at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, the 32 host venues have © RIO 2016 distinct personalities and stories all their legendary Maracanã stadium one of the stages for the soc- TIPS FOR ATTENDING you may have to wait for a own. will host the decisive match- cer tournament. Temporary THE GAMES break to enter. es of the Olympics soccer extra seating expanded the Planning to attend the • Avoid carrying bags to Rio de Janeiro is home to tournaments and two of the capacity and the running Olympics? The International speed up your entrance. those venues, with another Games’ most-watched track was completely updat- Olympic Committee has these • Identify children with five football co-host cities events: the opening and clos- ed ahead of the games. tips: bracelets made available at across Belo Horizonte, ing ceremonies. The stadium Sambódromo: Usually the • Do not forget your tickets the public information desks. Brasília, Manaus, Salvador was recently modernized for traditional setting for parades and check the date, time and • Look for the Rio 2016 and São Paulo. the 2014 World Cup, so fans during Carnival, the place of competitions on the team members wearing green Here is a quick look at a should be in for a treat. Sambódromo will host website before leaving (www. — they are there to help you. few of the most well-known Olympic Stadium: Built for archery and the marathon for rio2016.com). • No smoking at venues. stadiums set to host individ- the 2007 Pan American the games. Recent upgrades • Check the weather fore- • Download the official app ual and team events in Games, the Olympic Stadium to the facility included struc- cast and prepare accordingly. to stay tuned to everything August: will be home to an assort- tural improvements and • Arrive early, because if the that happens during the Maracanã Stadium: The ment of athletic events and brand new stands. session has already started, Games. RIO 2016 TEAM REFUGEE Displaced Athletes Given a Team of Their Own to Realize Olympic Dreams

President Bach was joined by two members of the Refugee Olympic Team as they visited what will be their rooms in the Olympic Village. Popole Misenga and Yolande Bukasa Mabika are judokas from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are living in Brazil after being granted © RIO 2016 refugee status.

Hoping to bring attention to the despite the unimaginable tragedies • Rose Nathike Lokonyen (female), name for themselves on the grand refugee crises impacting countries that they have faced, anyone can South Sudan, 800-meter; stage. and human beings across the world, contribute to society through their • Paulo Amotun Lokoro (male), Wondering how the logistics of an the 2016 Summer Olympic Games talent, skills and strength of the South Sudan, 1500-meter; all-refugee team will work? Here are will feature a first-of-its-kind human spirit.” • Yolande Bukasa Mabika (female), some details on what the team will Refugee Olympic Team. The unit is Democratic Republic of the Congo, experience at the games, according set to march with the Olympic flag WHO’S WHO? judo; to the IOC: immediately before host nation Here are the 10 athletes represent- • Yusra Mardini (female), Syria, • The team will be housed in the Brazil at the opening ceremony. ing the Refugee Olympic Team: swimming; and Olympic Village like all the other When the team was announced in • Rami Anis (male), Syria, swim- • Popole Misenga (male), teams; June, International Olympic ming; Democratic Republic of the Congo, • The team will get its own wel- Committee President Thomas Bach • Yiech Pur Biel (male), South judo. come ceremony at the Olympic issued in a statement: “These refu- Sudan, 800-meter; Village; gees have no home, no team, no • James Nyang Chiengjiek (male), THE TEAM’S DREAM • The team uniforms will be pro- flag, no national anthem. We will South Sudan, 400-meter; These athletes may not have had a vided by the IOC; and offer them a home in the Olympic • Yonas Kinde (male), Ethiopia, chance to participate in past • For all official representations of Village together with all the athletes marathon; Olympics. The 2016 addition of a ref- the team, the Olympic flag will be of the world. ... These refugee ath- • Anjelina Nada Lohalith (female), uge team has opened the door to raised and the Olympic Anthem will letes will show the world that South Sudan, 1500-meter; many top-tier athletes to make a be played. RIO 2016 HEALTH AND POLITICAL CONCERNS Climate, Culture Shine Against Backdrop of Health, Political Concerns

While the Summer Olympic Olympics were postponed, released a list of travel precau- • Pack a travel health kit. Senate impeachment com- Games are among the most the games could cause a “full- tions to take if you’re planning mission. anticipated sporting events blown public health disaster” on attending the games: POLITICAL TURMOIL across the world every four due to the mosquito-borne • Talk to your doctor or AND CORRUPTION DOPING ISSUES years, the 2016 edition is Zika virus. Many health offi- other health care provider Aside from the Zika virus, Athletes from Russia and being overshadowed by some cials have identified Brazil as about vaccines and medicines there are political and corrup- Kenya hoping to compete in serious issues facing the host a primary hotspot for Zika, a recommended for Brazil. tion scandals being uncov- the Olympics will be individu- country, Brazil. disease that causes severe • Make sure you are up-to- ered as the games kick off. ally evaluated for doping by Health concerns, political birth defects in infants and date on routine vaccines, Brazilian President Dilma international federations and corruption and team doping high fever and muscle pains including measles-mumps- Rousseff was impeached and certified by their home coun- allegations have swept the in adults. rubella (MMR), diphthe- suspended May 12. She is try’s sports federation, accord- sporting world as athletes and A couple of the main issues ria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella accused of using illegal ing to the International fans weigh the risks involved addressed in the report (chickenpox), polio and flu. accounting techniques to Olympic Committee. This with participating in this include Rio de Janeiro’s prox- Other recommended vaccines hide large federal budget defi- requirement was built in year’s Olympics. imity to the disease and the may include hepatitis A, cits, although she has repeat- response to an International increase of tourism, which typhoid, hepatitis B, yellow edly denied wrongdoing. Association of Athletics THE ZIKA VIRUS will present risks of spreading fever and rabies. Rousseff’s impeachment trial Foundations ban blocking A 2016 report published in the virus to other countries. • Consider purchasing trav- will conclude in the middle of Russia’s track and field ath- the Harvard Public Review The Centers for Disease el health and medical evacua- the Summer Olympic Games, letes from competing in this stated that unless the Control and Prevention has tion insurance. according to the country’s year’s games. RIO 2016

RUGBY IS BACK! Sport’s Return Welcomed After Nearly a Century of Absence

Some things are worth Twelve nations are set to go for gold Aug. 8, with the men’s taking place a giant pile of bodies to restart play in both the men’s and women’s com- three days later. following minor infractions during the waiting 92 years for; petitions. According to the match. rugby appears to be one International Olympic Committee, the WHAT IS RUGBY? two rugby sevens competitions at Rio In a rugby sevens team — which is OLYMPIC HISTORY of them. Since 1924, it has 2016 will be held over the first week of the type of structure this year’s According to the International been absent from the the games at the Deodoro Stadium. Olympics will follow — there are three Olympic Committee, rugby appeared The teams will be drawn into three forwards and four backs. These teams at Paris 1900 in its 15-team format, Summer Olympics pools of four in the first round, with are smaller than traditional ones, ending with the host nation claiming program. Fans of this fast- three points being awarded for a win, making for a faster, more exciting rugby’s first gold medal. two for a draw and one for a defeat. game. As for on-the-field action, rugby The sport then returned to London paced, action-packed The top two teams in each group requires a combination of strength in 1908 and Antwerp in 1920, when sport are rejoicing this year will then qualify for the quarter-finals and speed to move a ball into an the United States beat France, 8-0, for along with the two best third-placed opponent’s territory. The sport the gold. The Americans took another as Rio welcomes back sides, and the eight qualifiers will be employs full contact, and players wear gold medal in 1924 in Paris. ranked from one to eight on the basis little to no protective gear. The most Just at the height of its popularity, rugby as an official of their performance in the pool unique aspect of rugby is the srcum, rugby disappeared from the Olympic Olympic event. phase. The women’s final is set for which features players huddled up in program. RIO 2016

Following a Strong London Performance, Team USA Pins its Hopes on Big Names

You’ve got your Team USA was well ahead of China, which secured 88 erans — including two gold medalists — as the runner-up. Many experts predict that join a host of eight newcomers on the U.S. T-shirt and you’ve already with the return of golf, Team USA could be men’s volleyball team set to kickoff action coordinated taking some on track to reach the top of the gold medal Aug. 7 against Canada. Leading the way will list yet again. be outside hitter Reid Priddy (his fourth vacation days from work. U.S. men’s basketball: The U.S. men’s Olympics appearance) and middle blocker You’re planning a viewing basketball team enters the Olympics as a David Lee (his third), both of whom won heavy favorite to win its third straight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in party and are memorizing the Summer Olympic Games gold medal. An Beijing. rosters of your favorite teams. impressive list of veteran Olympians and Phelps’ last dip: U.S. men’s swimmer fresh faces will try to send head coach Mike Michael Phelps is looking to pad his record You are an Olympic super fan. Krzyzewski home a gold medal winner once as the most decorated Olympian in history. This is your time. again in his final Olympics. The team starts Already with a record 22 medals and 18 preliminary round play against China on golds, Phelps says these are his last Summer As Americans swell up with pride watch- Aug. 6. Olympics Games. ing their home country Olympians perform U.S. women’s basketball: As the men look Breaking the drought: According to the in Rio de Janeiro, there are dozens of excit- to grab a third straight gold medal, the International Olympic Committee, badmin- ing storylines to follow. Here are a few to women’s team will attempt to reign supreme ton is one of just three summer sports in keep your eye on: at the games. The squad has a 41-game win- which the U.S. has never won an Olympic Overall performance: The last time we ning streak in Olympic play with no losses medal. If you’re curious, the others are team saw a U.S. Summer Olympics team perform, since 1992. Going for its sixth straight gold handball and table tennis. Who knew? This it cruised to more overall medals and more medal, the women are looking to set the year’s mixed doubles team of Jamie gold medals than any other country in record for traditional women’s team sports. Subandhi and Phillip Chew is looking put London — 104 total medals to be exact. This U.S. men’s volleyball: A strong mix of vet- U.S. badminton on the map.

OLYMPIAN INTERVIEW RIGHT ON TARGET Vincent Hancock Seeks Third Straight Gold in Men’s Skeet Shooting

COURTESY OF VINCENT HANCOCK

The only Olympic athlete to ever “God has given me a talent to do well in the sport past Olympics. I love and to make a difference in the lives of many “When I was younger I shot way more. I was win back-to-back Olympic gold in people,” he said. “I stay focused on that and let the shooting seven days a week,” he said. “Now I really skeet shooting, Vincent Hancock rest fall into place.” don’t need that much training to keep my funda- Hancock was born in 1989 in Port Charlotte, Fla., mentals sharp.” has made his mark on the grandest and grew up in Eatonton, Ga. Now a resident of Fort of stages. The International Worth, Texas, with two young daughters, he trains SIGNATURE ACHIEVEMENT and teaches, saying “I take pride in the number of When asked which career accomplishment sticks Shooting Federation calls him “The people I can influence in a positive direction.” out in his mind, Hancock doesn’t hesitate. Best Shooter in the World.” He Hancock has been training two to four hours per “Everybody kind of expected me to win in my day leading up to Rio. Winning two gold medals and first Olympics (2008 in Beijing) because I was hopes to bolster his reputation even adding young children to his life have played a role ranked number one in the world and was coming further in Rio. in him scaling back his preparations compared to off a world record,” Hancock said. “I had a bad year SHOOTING VINCENT HANCOCK FORT WORTH, TEXAS

coming into London in 2012 and felt like I was coming in almost as an afterthought. That made it that much sweeter to win gold.” He looks forward to the competition in Rio — even if it is a bit stressful to perform in front of millions on the world stage. “It’s fun, but you definitely try to fight back the nerves,” he said. “I’d be lying if I said you don’t get shaky out there. It’s like nothing you’ve ever felt before and you just try to stay as focused as possible.”

MILITARY MAN In 2006, Hancock joined the Army and completed basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. From there, he received his Advanced Individual Training and earned a Military Occupational Specialty as a motor vehicle operator. I joined as a 17-year-old kid and came out a grown-up man,” he said. “The military makes you understand respect, honor and disci- pline. Sometimes as a young kid you think you know more than Vincent Hancock you do. In the Army I learned that life was bigger than me.” CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Hancock later served in the • Holds every Olympic, World and U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, National Record and has earned the National • 2008 & 2012 Olympic Gold Med- alist Defense Service Medal, Global • 3x World Champion War on Terrorism Service Medal, • 2 x Championship of the Ameri- Army Service Ribbon, cas, Gold Medalist Distinguished International • 16 x World Cup or WCH Medalist Shooter Badge and Accessions • 2 x Pan American Games Gold Support Brigade Soldier of the Medalist “God has given Quarter. • 4 x National Champion “Representing the Olympics • 2015 ISSF Male Athlete of the me a talent to do and having the military back- Year • 2015 USA Shooting Male Athlete well in the sport I ground just humbles you,” he of the Year love and to make a said. “It makes you proud to be • 2015 Finalist for USOC’s Athlete an American.” of the Year Award difference in the

A PLATFORM FOR SUCCESS lives of many Hancock uses his Olympic people,” he said. success as a platform to encour- “I stay focused on age and empower young shooters. “When I was growing up we didn’t have a lot of youth organizations out there,” he said. “Now I think shooting is that and let the the fastest growing sport I’ve seen. People and especially youth are starting rest fall into place.” to understand how fun of a sport it is to be involved with.” Hancock has had something to do with that growth. — VINCENT HANCOCK “I want to see it get even bigger,” he said. “Traditionally, the average American skeet shooter is a 57-year-old man. That’s changing drastically with the youth movement. We’ve got to figure out how to make it sus- tainable for people to make great careers out of shooting. We’re getting there.” COURTESY OF VINCENT HANCOCK Another gold medal in Rio would certainly help advance Hancock’s goal. WEIGHLIFTING MORGHAN KING SEATTLE, WA

OLYMPIAN INTERVIEW THE TOTAL PACKAGE Five-foot U.S. weightlifter Morghan King ready for the big stage

Meet Morghan King, America’s 5-foot, 106-pound powerhouse Olympian. The Washington state native is entering her first Olympics just four years after picking up the sport of weightlifting.

Although she may have gotten a relatively late start, she has leveraged a lifelong athletic career to help ensure a smooth transition. In high school, she was a state champion soccer player and participat- ed in triathlons. After receiving a college scholar- ship for soccer, she graduated from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, Calif., in 2008. Since then, she has focused on CrossFit, Pilates, yoga, snowboarding and her new love: weightlifting. After a few years of training, King is now America’s top-ranked weightlifter in the 48kg (106 pounds) class. She is one of three female lifters offi- cially headed to the Rio Games, earning her spot at the Salt Lake City-based trials in early May, where she lifted an 80.0kg (176 pounds) snatch and 100.0kg (220 pounds) clean and jerk for a personal best 180kg (397 pounds) total. COURTESY OF MORGHAN KING WEIGHLIFTING MORGHAN KING SEATTLE, WA

King sat down for an exclusive question-and-an- swer session in June, just two months before the Morghan King Olympics were set to kick off and just one month after qualifying for the games. CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS Q: First of all, congrats on qualifying for Rio. PAN AMERICAN EVENTS: Where is your head at right now? Are you • 2014 Pan American Championships: 167.0kg (368 pounds) total, 48kg division laser-focused on the task and training at hand or • 2015 Pan American Games: 172.0kg still kind of in awe of what you’re about to go do (379 pounds) total, 48kg division in couple of months? A: I am very focused on training for sure. I’ve WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: completely changed my whole life to get rid of out- • 2013 World Championships: 160.0kg side stressors so I can focus on just training. My (353 pounds) total, 48kg division mantra has always been if you put the work in, the • 2014 World Championships: 172.0kg results will come. Going to Rio hasn’t set in yet. I’m (379 pounds) total, 48kg division sure it will once I’m finally on the plane headed • 2015 World Championships: 170.0kg there. (375 pounds) total, 48kg division

Q: In reading some of your quotes to national OLYMPIC TRIALS media outlets, it’s interesting how you talk about • 1st in weight class, May 2016 weightlifting being “taxing” on the body and mind. • 180.0kg (397 pounds) total (personal What makes it such a challenging sport both men- best) tally and physically? © TEAM USA A: Your body is a very complex creature. Some days you walk into the gym and your body and mind are in sync, ready to train. Other “Melanie Roach, our 2008 Olympian who I have looked up to since I started days it feels like you are bit off your axis. You have to find a balance. I have done a lot of men- weightlifting, gave me one piece of advice that has stuck with me: Enjoy the experience tal training over the last year, and I have realized and every moment. Realize every day you step into the gym and on that platform it could how powerful positive self-talk is, especially through the grind of training day in and day be your last.” — MORGHAN KING out. that I was able to speak with multiple Olympians think it is very empowering to be in my position Q: We hear about athletes becoming so special- on advice. Melanie Roach, our 2008 Olympian who and to be a good role model for girls. You don’t ized in one sport. How much has your soccer, I have looked up to since I started weightlifting, always have to be the best, but if you enjoy what CrossFit, yoga, Pilates, etc., helped develop your gave me one piece of advice that has stuck with me: you’re doing and you are working hard at it, you weightlifting skill set? Enjoy the experience and every moment. Realize can do anything you set your mind to. I think that’s A: My whole life I have been an athlete. I get every day you step into the gym and on that plat- really important to hammer home to young girls in asked quite a bit because of how fast I came up in form it could be your last. I think, especially with such a social media world. the sport of weightlifting. I played power sports my weightlifting, we forget about the beauty of being whole life. I was the athlete that always wanted to able to do something we love every day, and I am Q: Finally, what does it mean to you to be a U.S. push limits, and I think when I found weightlifting, so thankful that she was able to share that with me. Olympian? everything aligned for me. My competitive nature, A: It’s something I have dreamed about since I my genes, athletic background and my work ethic Q: How have you used your success as a platform was a little girl. I knew I was born to do something all played a part in my success. for teaching and inspiring young people — espe- great. I could feel it in my bones. Did I think it cially young girls — to set and attack their goals? would be going to the Olympics in weightlifting at Q: Who has given you the best advice heading A: You know, at the beginning I never thought of the age of 30? No, never, but I am soaking in every into the Games? Can you share it with our readers? it that way. Now, I feel like I’m somewhat part of a moment of this. I am so grateful that I had the love A: Oh boy, I have the best support system on the club, being able to inspire young girls in whatever of my family, friends and the weightlifting commu- planet. Weightlifting is such a tight-knit community sport they want to play to be strong and be you. I nity with me every step of the way. JUDO KAYLA HARRISON MIDDLETOWN, OH

OLYMPIAN INTERVIEW

“It is such an honor to BACK FOR MORE be able to represent your country as an Olympian. First American to win gold in judo, I dreamed about that for Kayla Harrison sets sights on a repeat as long as I can remember.” — KAYLA HARRISON Kayla Harrison can still feel the goosebumps that accompanied her on the podium in 2012 at the Summer Olympic Games in London. She had just become the first American athlete to ever win the gold medal in judo.

“When I was on the podium so many things were going through my head,” she recalled. “All the people Kayla Harrison that made that possible. All the CAREER HIGHLIGHTS hours of training. All the blood, • 2012 Olympic gold medalist sweat and tears. You envision win- • Two-time World Masters champi- ning, and you even envision standing on (2015, 2016) on the podium, but when the • Two-time Pan American Games anthem starts, it is like nothing you champion (2011, 2015) ever expected.” • 2010 world champion Harrison looks to recreate that • Ranked No. 1 in the world at 78kg magic in Rio, entering as the (172 pounds) top-seeded judoka and looking forward to a potential matchup with her longtime rival Mayra Aguiar of Brazil. It’s been a long road to Rio for the focus.” 26-year-old American, who underwent Harrison is set to retire from judo — reconstructive surgery on her MCL in which she has been competing in since 2013 and was sidelined for about a age 6 — after the Rio games. She plans year. to use her platform as a world-class “Coming back from surgery is almost gold medalist to advance the sport’s more mental than physical,” Harrison popularity. She also hopes to bring said. “It is hard work and takes time, so awareness to sexual abuse, which she you just have to keep at it. Certainly was a victim of from a former coach as having Rio as a goal and wanting to a teenager. defend my title helped keep some “I am going to take over the

COURTESY OF KAYLA HARRISON JUDO KAYLA HARRISON MIDDLETOWN, OH

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAYLA HARRISON management of the U.S. National Judo Championships and start the Kayla Harrison Cup,” she said. “Hopefully I can make the national championship a more important event and through the KH Cup bring high-level international judo to this country. “But it also gives me the opportunity to bring visibility to my Fearless Foundation, which is all about awareness of sexual abuse, which is something that, as a society, we must work to eradi- cate.” Harrison followed the same training program for Rio that helped her win gold in London. A mixture of high-intensity workouts and demand- ing mental preparation has her set up for success in South America. “It is such an honor to be able to represent your country as an Olympian,” Harrison said. “I dreamed about that for as long as I can remember. Then there is the team around me that has worked so hard, so it makes me happy for them. ... Also I know how hard I have worked and how much energy has gone into this endeavor, so to make the Olympic team twice is just an incredible feeling.”

I know how hard I have worked and how much energy has gone into this endeavor, so to make the Olympic team twice is just an incredible feeling.” — KAYLA HARRISON RIO 2016 LEGACY LAND Michael Phelps looks to cement his reputation as the best Olympian ever; other athletes seeking to make names for themselves in Rio

Michael Phelps is in legacy land. The gold medal swimmer retired at the London upon announcing a change in his Olympics in 2012 after bringing his collection of retirement plans. The work showed No longer looking to make a medals to 22, but the call of competition couldn’t last year. name for himself and unburdened keep him out of the water for long. After a strong The American legend swam the performance at the 2015 national championships, fastest 200-meter individual med- by the task of becoming the most pundits expect Phelps to further distance himself ley, 100-meter butterfly and 200- decorated Olympian in history — from the competition in medal count. meter butterfly times of the year at Phelps the 2015 U.S. National he already did that — Phelps is BACK ON TRACK Championships. His performance set him up focused on going out on top. Phelps began his training shortly after London nicely for Rio this summer — the fifth and final RIO 2016

hood hardships and eventually landed him at St. John’s University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree and won back-to- back NCAA National Championships. He made a big statement in the 2012 London Olympic Games, finishing fifth to Burroughs become the highest American finisher in fencing since 1984. He made more history in 2015 by becoming the first male sabre fencer to win a Senior World Championship medal. Jordan Burroughs: After winning Olympic gold in wrestling in London, Burroughs has been on quite a hot streak. He won his second career World Championships gold medal in 2013 and cruised to a 69-match winning streak before finally losing in February 2014. It was the longest winning streak in U.S. history on the senior level. In September 2015, Burroughs made his fifth world/Olympic team in a row, claiming his latest world title in impressive fashion. He went 6-0 at the tournament in Las Vegas to claim the medal and further lay claim to being the sport’s most dominating athlete. Homer Simone Biles: The first woman in more than 40 years to win four consecutive U.S. women’s gym- Olympics performance of his career. relays with his USA teammates. He also won bronze nastics championships, Biles is no stranger to inter- in the 200-meter freestyle and the 4x100-meter free- national compe- A LONG JOURNEY style relay. tition. She is It’s hard to believe that Phelps broke into Olympic expected to lore when he finished fifth in the 200-meter butter- OTHER ATHLETES TO WATCH dominate in Rio fly at Sydney in 2000. Just 15 years old at the time, While all eyes will be on Phelps to see how many — her first Phelps has come a long way in training his body for medals he can add to his record collection, he won’t Olympics consistent greatness across a wide range of swim- be the only athlete trying to make history in Rio. appearance — ming styles. Here is a compilation of a few more Americans to after winning her © FOTOLIA The comparisons to Olympic great Mark Spitz watch this summer. They are poised to represent fourth straight started coming when Phelps won five world titles by the United States in a big way as Team USA tries to world title in the time he competed in the Athens Olympics in win another overall medal count. June. If she wins three medals in Rio, she will 2004. He took gold in the 100-meter and 200-meter Daryl Homer: Raised by a single mom in the become the most decorated American gymnast of butterfly, 200-meter and 400-meter individual med- Bronx, Daryl Homer is certainly no stranger to all time. Standing in her way will be two-time ley and the 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter freestyle adversity. Fencing allowed him to escape his child- London gold medalist Aly Raisman.