The Top 5 Reasons You Should Be Watching the 2016 Summer Olympics

The Top 5 Reasons You Should Be Watching the 2016 Summer Olympics

This year marks the 31^st occurrence of the Summer Olympiad, and people across the world are preparing for the excitement. These events unite countries, athletes and audiences alike to celebrate the many skills and cultures found in nearly every nation on Earth. 

As the host city, Rio de Janeiro will provide the stage for athletes from all over the globe to compete for a chance that only comes around once every four years – a shot at a summer Olympic medal.

The athletes are training for the competition, and so should you. Get ready for Rio with the Top 5 Reasons You Should Be Watching the Olympics –

 

1. Elite Competition

Healthy competition is good for everyone, and the Olympics are a gold-mine. Top athletes from all over the world come together with a passion and skill for their respective sports, making the Olympic Games an exhilarating showcase of athletic performance. Records are broken on an almost daily basis, rivalries are born and winners are celebrated. Over the span of 16 days, the Olympic Games provide some of the most exciting and memorable moments in sporting history. Who could forget Michael Phelps’ incredible performance in 2008 and his record breaking 18 gold medals? Or when the “Fastest Man Alive”, Usain Bolt, crossed the finish line and became the only man in history to set three world records in a single Olympic Games? With the bar set at the highest level, competitors have no choice but to bring their A-game in Rio.

 

2. Cultural Celebration

The Olympics are a global stage for countries to celebrate their culture in the form of athleticism and performance. Viewers have a chance to explore the host country in the different Olympic venues, as well as celebrate every competing nation’s individual contribution to The Games. No matter where we’re from, there’s an undeniable thrill of seeing an athlete raise their country’s flag in victory and pride.

 

3. Universal Appeal

From the popular to the obscure, there’s a sport for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s another chance to watch soccer, basketball or tennis, or to take advantage of the rarely televised but wildly popular track and field, handball or swimming, the Olympics has what you’re looking for. You may even find yourself suddenly enthralled by the latest judo match, or become a newly passionate expert on fencing. No matter where your interest falls, Rio’s ranging list of sporting competitions will surely grab your attention.

 

4. Inspiring Stories

Whether overcoming adversity, or rising from unknown status to household name, Olympians show the rest of us our own  potential and what we can achieve through hard work and dedication. By the end of the competition, you may find yourself cheering a name you only learned days prior, or rooting for the underdog to defeat the reigning champ. And even if sports aren’t your thing, it’s hard not to be inspired and captivated by the hurdles these athletes overcome to achieve their goals. More than just a competition, the Olympics are one of the truest demonstrations of human spirit and perseverance.

 

And, most importantly…

5. A Spirit That Unites

The Olympics are a unique viewing experience, not only in the sense of programming, but in how invested we become while watching. The Games unite viewers and athletes from all over the world in an unmatched spirit of respect and admiration. As the audience, we feel connected to the competitors, both in their successes and disappointments. Regardless of where we’re from or who we root for, we all come together once every four years to celebrate the victories and experience the amazing performances from the world’s best athletes.

 

Want to put your Summer Olympics knowledge to the test and learn more about what to expect from Rio this year? Check out our infographic here.