By Olivia Miltner, ’13
Excellence. Respect. Friendship. These are the three principles that provide the foundation for the Olympic Games. Since the 1890s, the games have withstood wars and boycotts and have succeeded in bringing together countries from around the world for friendly competition.The 2012 summer games, set to take place in London, occur July 27 through Aug. 12. Once they begin, the best of the best athletes from almost every country on Earth will compete for the gold.
China took gold in seven out of eight diving events in 2008.This year, they have the potential to pass the U.S. in the total overall medal count.
U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte beat competitor Michael Phelps in two races at the 2011 swiming world championships, bringing in a total of five gold medals.
The U.S. gymnastics team must choose between the 2008 Olympics champion team, including Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin, and the girls who won the 2012 world championship.
FIFA ranked Spain’s soccer team the best in the world. Spain also won the 2010 World Cup; it will be a strong contender during the Olympic Games.
Usain Bolt recently won the 100m dash at the Jamaica International Invitational with his fastest individual season opener time of 9.82 seconds.
According to the ATP World Tour, Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is ranked number one in the world. He recently won the 2011 Wimbledon, beating Rafael Nadal.