Countdown to the Olympics: The Athletes

More than 10,000 athletes will compete in Rio De Janeiro next month, at the first Olympic Games to ever be held in South America. Cool, right? In case you haven’t noticed, I’m excited! These athletes are my HEROES. 

In the past few weeks, I’ve blogged about different aspects of the Olympics (because that’s pretty much all I can think about lately!) including culture, sports, and food. This week, I thought it would be fun to have a little Olympic-athlete quiz—you know, in case you’re missing being in school. (Ha!)

Can you guess who these athletes are by using the clue provided? (Answers at the bottom of the post…no cheating!) Hint: Answers can also be found by perusing the Rio 2016 official website in the sports trivia section. Ready?

1. This amazing French athlete holds the most golds in singles slalom canoeing. He was the Olympic champion in slalom at the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and London 2012 Games!
2. At the London 2012 Games, this Jamaican athlete (and one of my idols) became the first man to successfully defend both the 100m and 200m Olympic titles.
3. At the Atlanta 1996 Games, this Danish player became the first and only non-Asian player to ever win a badminton gold medal. 
4. This swimmer is considered the most successful Olympian of all time, landing 22 medals to date, including 18 gold.  
5. These tennis-loving sisters are the only players to have won four medals—and all of them are gold. 
6. With a gold, a silver, and two bronzes, this Italian athlete is the most decorated female Olympic sailor of all time.
7. This Brazilian Olympic footballer is the leading goal scorer in the history of women’s Olympic football competition—five at Athens 2004, five at Beijing 2008, and two at London 2012.
8. This Taekwondo master won Afghanistan’s first ever Olympic medal by taking bronze at Beijing 2008. 
9. The “Star Trek” serve was coined after this Brazilian volleyball player who launched the ball so high it almost touched the ceiling. 
10. This Canadian athlete is the only triathlete to win two Olympic medals — gold at Sydney 2000 and silver at Beijing 2008.

How many did you get right? 

I’m gearing up for a couple of summer festivals and events in the Edmonton and surrounding area. But I’m also taking some time this weekend to catch up on some reading, hang out at my grandparent’s farm (the canola is blooming now and it’s SO beautiful!), and maybe try writing. What are YOU doing?

Gotta jet!

~ Chase Superman Duffy

Quiz Answers:

1. Tony Estanguet
2. Usain Bolt
3. Poul-Erik Hoyer
4. Michael Phelps
5. Venus and Serena Williams
6. Allessandra Sensing
7. Cristiane Roziera 
8. Rohullah Nikpai
9. Natresha Bernard 
10. Simon Whitfield