As 2016 comes to an end, we must not forget the great moments of the year. One of them being the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. Many great athletes from all over the world made history in Rio, and these great feats should never be forgotten. Here are the top 5 greatest moments of the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.
First on the list, is the 18 year old refugee Olympian, Yusra Mardini. When she was only 14 years old, swimming had saved her life. Yusra was currently living in Syria, but her home was destroyed because of the war that was going on back then, and still is. With her sister by her side, she went on a small boat with about 20 people including herself to escape the war. Soon after going on the boat, it had started to sink, and Yusra’s thoughts were quite crazy during that time, but these are some of her thoughts during this horrific moment, “ I thought it would be a real shame if I drowned in the sea, because I am a swimmer.” At that moment she knew that she couldn’t just let all these people drown. Herself and her sister, including another woman were the only people who could swim on the boat. They had to make a decision, so they all jumped out of the now sinking boat, and into the salty sea water. They pushed the boat for 3 hours trying to get everyone to safety. Although Yusra didn’t win any medals, she won a medal just for being there. She is a great representation that refugees are just like all the other people in the world, and can accomplish anything.
Next is a name almost everybody probably knows, Michael Phelps. This popular Olympic swimmer, has won 23 Olympic gold medals, and has 28 medals in total, making him the most decorated Olympian. What that means, is he has the most medals in recorded Olympic history. In 16 years, or 4 Olympic games, he’s only won 5 medals that are not gold, a true accomplishment. What also made the 2016 games so memorable, is this year is said to be Michael Phelps’ last Olympic game. However, he did say the same thing 4 years ago in 2012, at the London Olympics. No one thinks someone can ever match Michael Phelps’ successful career, but you just never know. There were also some very memorable moments of rivalry, between Michael Phelps, and Chad Le Clos from South Africa. One of these moments occurred in the ready room, right before they both went outside, to compete in the 200 meter butterfly swim. Chad was standing right in front of Michael, and he might have been practicing for a boxing match he was going to later, I’m not exactly sure, but who knew shadow boxing was one way to make a viral picture? Minutes, or even seconds later, the “Phelps Face” was posted all over the internet.
The “Teenage sensation,” as CNN said, Simone Biles had a big success at her first Olympic games. She had boarded her plane back to Spring, Texas, from Rio, with 5 Olympic medals, 4 gold and 1 bronze. At a young age, Simone found her passion for gymnastics. She was with her day care group, on a field trip at a gymnastics center. “While there I imitated the other gymnasts, and Coach Ronnie noticed.” She said, “The gym sent home a letter requesting that I join tumbling or gymnastics.” For her, it has been an uphill climb towards success since she was a young child, to the 19 year old she is now. A long vacation is just what any Olympian needs after their quest for gold at the Olympics, and Simone Biles definitely agrees.
I’m sure at least one teacher in all of you readers lives have said an inspirational quote, or something about teamwork, or in some cases, for all those gym teachers, and sports coaches out there, something about sportsmanship. These teachers and coaches were probably cheering, as they watched Nikki Hamblin, a runner from New Zealand, and Abbey D’Agostino, an American runner, help each other across the track at the Olympics. Nikki and Abbey were both competing in the 5,000 meter run, when Nikki fell on the track. A few seconds later, Abbey tripped over her, and they both were down on the track floor. As they both helped each other get up, Abbey realized she had injured her leg when she fell down. However, she still went on running in the race, with Nikki helping her, and Abbey helping Nikki, all the way to the end of the race. They showed great sportsmanship, and teamwork, as they helped each other across the finish line, even though they are from different countries. Abbey was taken away in a wheelchair, but a while after the race Nikki told reporters, “ That girl is the Olympic spirit right there.” In the stands, at a different race, Abbey couldn’t run, but she did the next best thing, which was cheering for her new friend Nikki in the stands, as she ran in a new race.
Surely no one could forget this athletes “archer’s stance” after completing a race. Has anyone popped in your head yet? If you thought of Usain Bolt you are absolutely correct. This particular Jamaican sprinter, also known as the fastest man on the planet, made running history with his ninth, Olympic gold medal, at Rio. The general crowd pleaser at the Olympic games, claims his nine gold medals, will be his last Olympic triumphs. The Jamaican speedster has announced his Olympic feats shall end this year, a disappointment to many, however he has not retired yet. One of his greatest accomplishments at the Olympics is his “Triple-Triple.” Usain Bolt’s “final glory came with victory in the 4×100-meter relay after finishing first in the individual 100m and 200m.” He has repeated this same exact routine at 3 Olympic Games.
Now that we’ve reached the end of the year, you should never forget the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and the great moments during those games.
Sources:http://edition.cnn.com/2016/08/21/sport/olympics-key-things-day-16-sunday/, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/refugee-swimmer-yusra-mardini-makes-history-in-rio-olympic-pool/,http://www.sbnation.com/2016/8/9/12410916/2016-summer-olympics-michael-phelps-chad-le-clos-swimming-rivarly-stare, http://www.biography.com/people/simone-biles-051816.
Grover Middle School's Jagazine 