Sixteen fearless predictions for the 2016 Rio Olympic GamesANTICIPATION is building ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics as doping drama, health and safety concerns and medal predictions dominate discussion.
We predict the stories that will make headlines in Australia and around the world.
A BUMPY RIDE FOR RIO
Amid fears around crime, infrastructure, pollution and social unrest, Rio will get through its hosting of the Games but not without a hitch. Hopefully it will ultimate be a safe Olympics, but there are just too many issues not to expect a few dramatic headlines or events.
HEALTH FEARS TO BE REALISED
There’s been plenty of bad press about Rio’s polluted waterways and the fact they are carrying dangerous levels of disease-causing viruses. The fears will be realised when a handful of athletes fall ill and are forced to pull out of events in sailing, rowing or canoeing.
RUSSIAN ATHLETES TO COMPETE
Russian athletes are suspended from international athletics competition but officials will clean up their act just enough to convince the International Association of Athletics Federations the blanket ban should be lifted. However a ‘clean’ Russian team will take a big hit on the medal tally with the likes of Germany or France threatening their spot in the top three nations.
LIGHTING STRIKES THRICE
He’ll be pushed by Justin Gatlin all the way and there will be little in the finish. But Usain Bolt will confirm himself as one of the greatest Olympians in history, becoming the first man to complete the triple-triple — winning three successive Olympic titles in the two sprint events and the 4x100m relay.
SALLY TO SURRENDER OLYMPIC TITLE
Australia’s queen of the track Sally Pearson will throw everything at the defence of her London Olympic gold but a troubled build-up with injury will ultimately take its toll and prevent her from overcoming younger rivals including Jamaican world champion Danielle Williams.
MICHAEL PHELPS TO CRACK 20 GOLD MEDALS
Phelps — the most decorated Olympian of all time — is back for one last Games and his form this year suggests he’s not coming back just for a good time. While South African star Chad le Clos will make like difficult, Phelps will get at least one individual and one relay gold to improve upon his astounding haul of 18 gold medals.
LARKIN TO LEAD AN AUSSIE REVIVAL
The Dolphins had a dismal time in London, winning just a solitary gold for their worst performance in the pool in 20 years. But they’ll bounce back with at least seven six in Rio, setting the tone for the entire Australian team. Backstroker Mitch Larkin will lead the way with individual gold in the 100m and 200m events and Emily Seebohm will star for the women with up to four medals.
CAMPBELL SISTERS TO SHARE THE GLORY
Bronte Campbell upstaged older sister Cate to win both the 50m and 100m freestyle world titles but Cate will turn to the tables to win the 100m and Bronte will take out the one-lap splash and dash. The duo will also team up to help Australia defend its title in the women’s sprint relay.
AN AUSSIE ‘M’ TO WIN MEN’S 100m FREESTYLE GOLD
James Magnussen is still unofficially the fastest man in history with the fastest time (47.10 seconds) outside a ‘supersuit’ but injury has set back his preparations. He’s still capable of atoning for his London near-miss but it may well be the rising Cameron McEvoy who steals the show to become Australia’s first gold medallist in the event since Michael Wenden in 1968.
NEW ZEALAND TO DENY AUSTRALIA ANOTHER RUGBY CROWN
Wallabies Quade Cooper and Henry Speight will help fire Australia into medal contention, and Fiji and South Africa will be thereabouts, but the might of New Zealand featuring Sonny Bill Williams, Liam Messam and rising star Ardie Savea will dominate on their way to gold.
ELLIA GREEN TO BECOME A HOUSEHOLD NAME
Australia’s women’s sevens side is the current favourite for gold and in 22-year-old former sprinter Green they have an excitement machine capable of lighting up the tournament in Rio.
The 22-year-old was the Player of the Tournament at the recent Dubai Sevens, where she scored nine tries in six matches to help Australia to victory.
MEGARES TO CEMENT HER LEGACY
Already the most prolific track cyclist of all time and an Australian Olympic legend, Anna Meares will cap her remarkable Games career with gold in the women’s kieren to make it a remarkable fourth straight Olympics with a medal.
MARC LEISHMAN TO WIN AN OLYMPIC MEDAL
One for the longshot backers. With Adam Scott indicating he won’t play, we’re tipping Marc Leishman will join Jason Day in representing Australia and, having proved his ability to contend at the top level, will jag a place on the podium.
BRAZIL TO ACHIEVE RECORD MEDAL HAUL
Home advantage is huge in sport and the Olympics is no different with the host nation traditionally lifting. That, combined with the fact Brazil are already an improving sporting nation, will see the hosts smash their previous record haul of five gold medals at the 2004 Athens Games.
BOOMERS TO BATTLE FOR BRONZE
Australia has never won an Olympic medal in men’s basketball but an NBA-heavy Boomers squad looks primed to give it a decent shake in Rio. There’s Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova just to name a few, while college superstar Ben Simmons could also be there. We’re tipping Australia can defy the odds to make the medal rounds and battle it out for bronze, possibly against the host nation.
TIM CAHILL TO SCORE FOR THE OLYROOS
Socceroos legend Cahill has scored in three World Cups and wouldn’t it be great to see him find the net for the green and gold at an Olympics? Should they qualify, Australia will be able to take three over-age players and at 36, Cahill is still among the nation’s most potent attacking weapons, so why not him?
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