Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has had the whole world’s attention this August as they held the 2016 Summer Olympic games. In the past years the Olympics have cost around 16.2 billion dollars to host and those prices appear to be climbing, for example the Summer Olympics hosted in Los Angeles in 1984 cost about 250 million. That didn’t stop the healthy competition between countries this summer, as the games ran from Friday, August 5 to Sunday, August 21.
The medal standings ended with the United states in the lead with a total of 120 medals; 45 gold, 37 silver, and 38 bronze. China came in second ending with 70 medals, and Great Britain in third with 67 medals. Behind those medals were some pretty amazing athletes. Some of the top medalists for the 2016 Olympics were Michael Phelps (swimming for the U.S.), Katie Ledecky (swimming for the U.S.), Simone Biles (Gymnastics for the U.S.) , Katinka Hosszu (Swimming for Hungary), Jason Kenny (Cyclist for Great Britain), Ryan Murphy (swimming for the U.S.), Usain Bolt (Track and field for Jamaica), Simone Manuel (Swimming for the U.S.), and Madeline Dirado (swimming for the U.S.). These athletes make this list because many of them hold world records and have overcome difficult obstacles in the way. These amazing athletes are not only incredible to watch but are also inspiring. According to Megan Jamison, a senior at Fossil, “Simone Biles is someone I really admire”. Not only do they have inspiring stories but they are also fun to watch. “I did watch the Olympics, specifically the sprinting in track and field,” said Jackie Coyne, a senior at Fossil.
Along with the amazing personal achievements of all the athletes, there were a few standouts that beat world records. Michael Phelps extended his record of most decorated Olympian, ending with 21 medals in his olympic career. There was also a weightlifter from China named Long Qingquan who won a gold medal in the men’s 56 kg weightlifting after he lifted 307 kg. The Olympic games couldn’t have come at a better time. It gave the world a new feeling of hope and unity.
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