As Rio Olympics begin, U.S. athletes see early success

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