The summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro has begun and Miami locals as well as from surrounding areas are definitely set to represent for the United States of America and of course the city of Miami. For the first time ever, the staging of the Olympics is in South America: Brazil costing 7.4 billion dollars with over 10 000 athletes. Florida is the perfect training ground for athletes and Miami has been flocked with several athletes from college scholarship to just training in the beautiful sunshine state. From the training facilities and coaching to the gorgeous weather I mean what more can an athlete ask for right? In total, south Florida has produced 41 medal hungry Olympians off to Rio.
Alia Atkinson
Atkinson, Flagran alumni became Jamaica’s first female swimmer to secure a medal (bronze) at the 2005 World Championships. Alia Atkinson finished eighth in Tuesday night’s final of the 100m breaststroke final. However Miami locals and Jamaicans alike are extremely proud of her. Allie expressed, “You don’t have to look very far for role models or world-class athletes.” “This is the greatest place in the world to train and compete. This is paradise for an athlete.”
Melony Poviones, Sergio Menezes, Lucas Roque
Poviones, Menezes and Roque all hailing from the beautiful sunshine state are set to compete in Footvolley. The name of the sport pretty much says it all. Footvolley is a new demonstration sport in Rio, you are prohibited from using your hands to get the ball over the net only your feet. Poviones hails from Miami Lakes, Menezes hails from Miami Beach and Roque hails from Deerfield Beach.
Lexi Thompson
Lexi Thompson who grew up in Coral Springs will be competing in the sport of Golf at the Rio Olympics. Thompson is the fourth rand golfer in the world so you definitely want to look out for her. Thompson along with teammates Stacy Lewis and Gerina Piller has been named to Represent U.S Olympic Golf team. Women’s golf has made a comeback as a part of the Olympic Games for the first time since 116 years, can you believe that? Yes and the U.S team, especially Thompson, are definitely contenders to secure a medal.
Serena and Venus Williams
The Williams sisters from Palm Beach Florida unfortunately lost the first round of the women’s double tennis match to Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic. However the quest for gold is not over yet, you can believe that! Serena Williams is still on path to defend her singles title. Serena Williams won her first round match and as we all know she is a powerhouse so good things are about to come. As for Venus Williams this will be the end of Rio Olympics games for her but we know she is going to be there supporting her sister for sure.
Sam Dorman
Sam Dorman alumni of the University of Miami set sights on securing a medal in diving. Dorman secured his spot on the U.S Olympics team when he beat out bronze medalist Kristian Ipsen in the 3 meter springboard.
Dave Hughes
Miami resident Dave Hughes is definitely out for vengeance as his dreams for gold are now a reality here in Rio de Janeiro. "I actually did think that my chance had passed me by," Hughes said. But with partnering with Olympian Stu McNay the dream is definitely alive. You know what they say ‘teamwork makes the dream work.’
To see many more amazing Olympians such as these listed above and the Olympic schedule check out www.nbcolympics.com
Good luck to all the athletes. You’ve all made us proud already!