With the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio right around the corner, the sports scene is heating up. Names of athletes are being tossed about in casual conversation and wagers are being made. With the Olympic fever catching on and the expectations rising, everyone’s rooting for their favourites. Here is our list of the top Olympic athletes to watch out for this year…
 

Dipa Karmakar (Artistic Gymnastics)

Dipa Karmakar (Artistic Gymnastics)

Little’s been known about her but Dipa is in fact the woman who made history when she became the first Indian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics earlier this year. Coming from the small state of Tripura where she began training in unfavourable conditions, she’s come far enough to nail a 7.0 difficulty vault that landed her a spot in the 2016 Olympic Games. We have high hopes for this 22-year-old that’s set out to make a difference.

 

Michael Phelps (Swimming)

Michael Phelps (Swimming)

You already know him, the athlete with the highest number of Olympic medals; 18 golds, to be precise. He’d retired back in 2012 after the London Olympic Games, only to make an appearance for his one ‘Last Challenge’ this year. “I’m 30 years old and swimming almost faster than I ever have before,” says Michael.

 

Melitina Staniouta (Rhythmic Gymnastics)

Melitina Staniouta (Rhythmic Gymnastics)

This Belarusian gymnast had us intrigued about Rhythmic Gymnastics. She calls it a cocktail of sport and art, and we couldn’t agree more. The grace and finesse with which she pulls off the moves creates magic on the mat. Definitely someone to watch out for, doing hoops.

 

Usain Bolt (Athletics)

Usain Bolt (Athletics)

Known as the world’s fastest man, the 2016 Olympics would be Bolt’s last race. Aiming to win the ‘triple-triple’, which is three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 100, 200 and 4x100 relay, Bolt casually shrugged it saying, “It's got a good sound to it, doesn’t it?” Well, it sure does!

 

Sania Mirza (Tennis)

Sania Mirza (Tennis)

She’s been on everyone’s watch for many years now and with a recent Wimbledon win, even more so. The World’s No. 1 today (in doubles), after beating other world elites such as Svetlana Kuznetsova, Dinara Safina and Martina Hingis, would be paired with Prarthana Thombare for Women’s Doubles and with Rohan Bopanna for the Mixed Doubles.

 

Bradley Wiggins (Cycling)

Bradley Wiggins (Cycling)

The man who made history when he became the first ever British cyclist to win the Tour de France. Today, from the time he started, he holds 7 Olympic medals (4 golds) and now is back and all geared up to win his eighth.