The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro are about to start. Here’s a short list of athletes to keep an eye on during the games.
For a list of American athletes to watch, visit here.
Mo Farah, Great Britain
Going for the London–Rio double in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter races.
Usain Bolt, Jamaica
Will defend his 100, 200, and 4x100 relay golds from Beijing and London. Will turn 30 on Aug. 21.
David Rudisha, Kenya
Defending his 800-meter London gold. Holds six of the eight fastest times ever run in the event.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Jamaica
Gunning for three straight 100-meter Olympic golds, a feat no other woman has accomplished.
Genzebe Dibaba, Ethiopia
The 2015 world record-holder in the 1,500 is odds-on favorite. In June, her coach was arrested in a doping raid.
Cate and Bronte Campbell, Australia
The sisters will compete in the 50 and 100 freestyle events and probably some relays. Cate is faster right now, but either way, there’s bound to be a Campbell on the podium more than once.
Qiu Bo, China
The Chinese divers are expected to dominate the boards this year, so take your pick of who to watch. The closest competition may come in the 10-meter individual event where American David Boudia pipped Qiu in London.
Jessica Ennis-Hill, Great Britain
Won gold at last year’s heptathlon world championships. Could win back-to-back Olympic titles. Looks to be headed for a good battle with Canada’s Brianne Theisen-Eaton.
Kohei Uchimura, Japan
Considered the best male gymnast of all time. Has one gold and four silver Olympic medals and 19 world championship medals.
Oksana Chusovitina, Uzbekistan
Oldest female Olympic gymnast ever at 41 and six-time Olympian. Has a team gold and an individual silver medal.
Neymar, Brazil
After a silver in London, Neymar and the Brazilian men’s soccer team are still looking for a first Olympic gold medal.
Refugee team
A 10-person team—from Syria, South Sudan, Congo, and Ethiopia—will compete under the Olympic flag.
For the full schedule, visit nbcolympics.com/full-schedule
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