The Olympics Come To London!

Alex Newby, Marketing Intern

Blaring anthems, tiered podiums, and shining medals are back as the Olympic Games come to London, England! This year’s games will run from July 27^th to August 12^th and will feature approximately 205 countries in over some 300 events.  As with every year, inspiring stories, personal triumphs, and intense rivalries are on every channel as hopeful athletes prepare for Friday’s opening ceremony. With an Olympic first, Saudi Arabia named two females to their London 2012 team;, North Korea’s women’s soccer team almost refused to play their first game on Wednesday after a flag mix-up; and several players from around the world have already been disqualified on doping charges. With so much happening already, the London games are sure to be the most exciting thing to watch this summer! Here are some of the our suggestions on the people and events to watch!

The US Women’s Soccer Team - Gold medal winners in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the team has already started this year’s Olympics pursuit with a 4-2 win over France in Glasgow on Wednesday. Key players include returning players Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan.

Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte- Like in Beijing, these two American swimmers are expected to win several events in London. Phelps, who has won over 16 medals (14 are gold!), will be competing for eight days in several races for the chance to take the title for most medals won by an athlete. The current record holder is former Soviet Union gymnast Larissa Latynina with 18. Lochte is a six-time Olympic medalist and currently holds the world record in the 200 and 400 meter individual relay. This year, they will face off in the 200 and 400 individual medley.

Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake- After his performance in the Beijing Olympics, Usain Bolt was made famous as the world's fastest man. This year, he has some competition. Yohan Blake, a fellow Jamaican beat Bolt in both the 100 and 200 meter sprints in the Olympics trails. Track and Field events start on August 3rd!

Clark Burckle, Dotsie Bausch, Tyson Gay, and Lee Kiefer – These four Kentucky athletes will be competing in swimming, cycling, track and field, and fencing respectively. Tyson Gay is considered one of the fastest men in the world and will be competing. Tyson Gay is considered one of the fastest men in the world and will be competing in the 100m against Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, Lee Kiefer, currently ranked #1 in the U.S., is only a senior in high school at Lexington’s Paul Lawrence Dunbar! For more information on each one, visit our Pinterest board!