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Essential question How can global sporting competitions like the Olympics promote positive international relations?
The 2016 Olympic Games began Friday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the U.S. swimming and women's gymnastic teams have seen particular success competing on the international stage.
American swimmer and Olympic newcomer Katie Ledecky won her first gold in the 400-meter freestyle, while veteran Michael Phelps — now competing in his fourth Olympics — secured his 19th after winning the 4-by-100 relay with his team.
The women's gymnastics team qualified for the all-around category over the weekend. Team member Simone Biles, appearing in her first Olympics, is favorited to win gold for best all-around gymnast. Biles is poised to become known as the greatest American gymnast ever, according to Christine Brennan, a USA Today columnist and ABC contributor covering this year's Games.
"And I’ll tell you, that’s saying something, because there is certainly a lot of competition for that title," Brennan said.
Despite doubts over Brazil's preparedness to host the Games leading up to Friday's opening ceremony, Brennan said the competitions have gone smoothly so far. Some backlash has emerged in the form of booing aimed at Russian athletes permitted to attend despite doping allegations.
Key terms
world record
— usually the best international performance ever recorded and officially verified in a specific skill or sport
doping
— in sports, the use of certain chemical substances that have been banned by the International Olympic Committee intended to enhance an athlete’s performance
Warm up questions ( before watching the video)
- Where are the 2016 Summer Olympics being held?
- Have you ever watched an Olympics before? What are you favorite events?
- Which U.S. athlete has won the most gold medals in modern Olympic history?
Critical thinking questions ( after watching the video)
- Do you think the crowd at the swimming events was justified in booing athletes who’ve been linked to doping scandals? Explain.
- How do controversies including allegations that Russia supported a drug enhancement program for their athletes go against the spirit of the Olympics?
- What does it take for an athlete to qualify for the Olympics? Would you ever like to participate in the Olympics?
