Here are six of our favourite Aussie athletes to watch out for when the action gets underway the next day.
Anna Meares
A popular choice as flagbearer for the opening ceremony, this track cycling queen is on track for a dramatic double in Rio. She overcome a horrific fall to win in gold in London in 2012, and has had her share of setbacks leading into her follow-up. Her marriage ended in 2015 and then a back injury resurfaced, but the Aussie star has dusted herself off yet again to burst back into medal contention.
Michelle Jenneke
With Sally Pearson out with injury, all eyes will be on this rising 100m hurdles star. But not because she’s expected to medal at this Olympics – she says she’ll be happy just to make the final. No, the fuss around Michelle is all about the Jenneke jig – check out the video below that millions of fans around the world can’t get enough of.
Caroline Buchanan
The BMX biking star is ready for redemption in Rio. She was hot favourite to win gold in London, but botched the start and struggled into a disappointing fifth spot. This time around, however, Caroline, 25, says she’s mentally tougher and determined to get off to a flying start. She topped off her preparation by taking out the world time-trial crown in May.
Cameron McEvoy
After the disappointment in London four years ago, the swimming team has a lot to prove in Rio. Most of the expectations for a dramatic turnaround rest on the broad shoulders of this 22-year-old Gold Coast freestyler. On current form he has a serious chance of winning up to five gold medals in individual and relay events over 50m and 100m.
Cate & Bronte Campbell
They made history in London by being the first Aussie sisters to compete in the same Olympics. Four years on swimming stars hope to get back in the record books by cleaning up on the medal front. Both have been in scintillating form in the build-up and their partnership in the 4x100m freestyle relay and clashes in the 50m and 100m freestyle events promise to be a Rio highlight.
- You can watch all the action live on Seven, 7Two, 7mate, or the new Olympics on 7 app. The events are also streaming at seven.com.au/olympics.
