In this undated photo released by the Rio 2016 Olympic Bid Committee, shows the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Bid logo. The famed landmark Sugar Loaf, shaped as a heart, represents the Brazilian people’s passion for sports. The colors green, yellow, blue and white represent the Brazilian flag. The writing “rio20!6,” with the exclamation point replacing the numeral 1, symbolize Brazil’s heightened expectations with the chance of hosting the event. (AP Photo/ Rio 2016 Olympic Bid Committee)
Our Team Is Heading for Rio!
On August 5, 2016, as the Olympic Torch makes its way into Rio de Janeiro, people here in the Hoboken/Jersey City area will be cheering for the American athletes, especially the ones from New Jersey to “bring home the gold.” It’s the most exciting two weeks of the summer; the fact that the Olympics are in Rio adds to the excitement. The camera shots are bound to be fantastic! Here’s a link to the schedule, in case you want to watch.
Perhaps the games are something that will calm us in these days of turmoil. Maybe we can come together as one nation to support our young people in their endeavor to be the best at what they do, whether they achieve that goal or not. It’s the effort that counts.
There is something mesmerizing about watching young people who have put their heart and soul into training. Records are constantly being broken, so they’re obviously getting better. Your heart can’t help swelling with pride when an athlete from America stands on the podium with a gold medal as the National Anthem plays. If that athlete happens to be from your own state, well, that’s even better.
It would be impossible to name all of the New Jersey athletes who are competing in Rio. For one thing, some of them are still going through the qualification process. For another, at this writing, there are some twenty-two who have already qualified. Suffice it to say that New Jersey is well represented.
The group is diverse in background, and in skills. For instance, New Jersey has the only athlete to compete in fencing wearing her hijab. Another competitor is the first person since 1984 to compete for the United States in Women’s Gymnastics who is of Hispanic origin.
No fewer than nine athletes from New Jersey have qualified for Track and Field events so far. We have four in rowing, four in fencing, and three in swimming. The martial arts are in the mix, too. We have competitors in Wrestling, Boxing, and Judo. Also, we have players on the Soccer and Basketball teams, as well as one Handball player. The Triathlon has one ambitious New Jerseyite. Here’s a link to an article with interesting facts about each of our representatives so far in Rio. Let the games begin!
Which is your favorite Olympic Event?
Edward