Rio 2016: What to look out for!

The next Olympics is just around the corner, with the opening ceremony of Rio 2016 taking place on Friday, kicking off what is bound to be an exciting fortnight of sport. With 31 different sports to choose from, we've picked out the events and the superstars you cannot afford to miss in these Olympics!

Athletics

It would be silly to forget about the greatest sprint runner of all time when it comes to Rio, where superstar Usain Bolt will be going for another three gold medals to add to his collection. Bolt will be looking to be the first ever athlete to win three successive 100m titles, as well as going for gold in the 200m and 4x100m relay, aiming to complete the 'triple-triple'.

Mo Farah will be racing in the 5000m and 10,000m races, aiming to defend the titles he won at London 2012, with compatriot and fellow 'Super Saturday' gold medallist Greg Rutherford jumping for gold in the long jump, looking to add a second Olympic gold medal to his World, European and Commonwealth titles.

Cycling

Cycling in Rio is bound to be full of excitement and drama both on the road and in the velodrome. Going for gold in the time trial will be Britain's Chris Froome, fresh from winning his third Tour de France yellow jersey, with the road race going ahead a few days beforehand. In the velodrome, the sprint events and the omnium often provide plenty of action; keep an eye out for Mark Cavendish, who withdrew from the Tour de France after winning four stages to concentrate on Rio, will be hoping to win his first Olympic gold.

Swimming

All eyes will be on the pool and American superstar Michael Phelps - who already has an impressive 22 Olympic medals - who will face stiff competition from the likes of Chad le Clos from South Africa - as well as current breaststroke world champion Adam Peaty. In the women's races, 19 year-old American star Katie Ledecky is the firm favourite to rack up more medals, having set an incredible 11 world records and won every major international race she's taken part in, since winning 800m gold in London four years ago.

Football

Two years after the World Cup held in Brazil, international football returns to Rio and the Maracana, with the host nation firm favourites to clinch the gold medal. With memories of their humiliating 7-1 defeat by Germany two years ago on home turf still fresh, Brazil and their tailsman Neymar will look to put this aside and go for gold once more with the home crowd backing. In the ladies competition, the United States will be hoping to defend their crowd from London 2012, as well as being current world champions.

We are certainly in for a treat this August with plenty of sport on offer - make sure you check out the official Rio 2016 website for more information all on of these events and many more!

Image copyright: marchello74 / 123RF Stock Photo