Rio 2016 highlights

Well, after weeks of sleepless nights, screaming at the television, becoming a self taught expert in gymnastic routines and even shedding a few tears the Rio 2016 Olympics have come to an end. I mentioned in my blog before the games started that I believed it would be full of history making moments, stand out athletes and that Rio would put on a spectacular show… and put on a show they did!!

Team GB finished second in the medal table, ahead of the once untouchable China - the most successful Games EVER for Great Britain and I can honestly say I have never been prouder to be British. I watched every GB medal ceremony, staying up until 3am on a work night if need be - MY COUNTRY NEEDED ME (to watch religiously and binge eat pringles). Yes I know I could have watched it on iPlayer the next day but its not the same is it!? I’ve seen more of Claire Balding in the past few weeks than I have my own family and I’m not even sorry about it. I am a self confessed Olympics addict and am already experiencing the withdrawal symptoms of having nothing to watch – what did I used to do with myself? Never in a million years did I think that I would stay awake until 2am watching trap shooting but I did, and I would do it again!

There are far too many Olympic highlights for me to mention, in fact the past few weeks of my life have just been an emotional rollercoaster of sporting genius – I’ve been excited, stressed, anxious, angry, elated, hungry and everything in between. God only knows what the athletes felt like! I will therefore try to list my top 5 highlights of Rio 2016 although we all know that there were literally hundreds of examples that could be used.

Let me know your favourite Olympic moments in the comments as I’m sure every country has it’s own reason to celebrate.

1. Team GB's cycling success

It’s undeniable that Team GB owned the track cycling at the Olympics, no one else even came close. The Velodrome is where British champions are born. Not all heroes wear capes, some wear funny looking helmets and really tight onesies.

Great Britain were Beyonce and everyone else was Kelly Rowland or the other one. I wasn’t really into my cycling before but now I take spin class as if I’m Laura Trott in the Omnium and no one, I mean no one will get past me. (a few people would probably get past me, turns out cycling is really hard…).

In all seriousness those cyclists are superhuman and it warmed my cold black heart to see how happy they were when all the sacrifice paid off in the end. Also Jason Kenny and Laura Trott - talk about couple goals! Their babies will be champions… or bikes, who knows!?

 2. The living legends – Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt

It’s impossible to write a blog about the Olympics and not mention Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. They are history makers, they are role models to future athletes and they are both really really tall. Clean athletes at the top of their game, the top of the podium and it’s going to be sad not to see them in Tokyo 2020. What will future Olympics look like without them? Will they ever be beaten? I guess we will have to wait and see!

3. The Double Double

For Team GB, winning a gold medal at home in 2012 was a feat that many thought would be unsurpassable. That was until several of our athletes successfully defended their titles and became Olympic Champions not once, but twice (5 times if you are in the men’s rowing fours, but who’s counting..). You’re lucky if I can get out of my bed before 7 am two days in a row, never mind winning an Olympic Gold, twice! But, Jade Jones, Nicola Adams, Alistair Brownlee, Helen Glover, Heather Stanning, Mo Farah, Jason Kenny, Laura Trott, the men’s and ladies team pursuit, the men’s sprint, the men’s rowing four, Charlotte Dujardin and Andy Murray did just that. (phew what a list, did I miss anyone!?)

Can any of them make it once, twice, three times a champion in Tokyo 2020? I’d put my money on it, for sure!

4. Team GB Hockey

Never did I think that I would be sat home, alone, on a Friday night, watching a women’s team sport that I have never even played before and actually enjoy myself in the process (completely sober I may add). But, that’s exactly what happened the night the Team GB ladies played in the hockey finals. They moved the nation, they moved the news, and Maddie Hinch moved in so many directions that I think she might be made of elastic. There was blood, sweat, tears and a whole lot of sticks flying around resulting in the whole of Great Britain becoming invested in a hockey game – something which has never happened before, not in my life time anyway. Team spirit, girl power and gold medals – it was a great night!!

5. Simone Biles, just in general.

 Last but by no means least, Simone Biles. Is she the greatest gymnast EVER? Many would say yes, yes she is. How there can be so much power in one tiny body I have no idea, I can barely do a cartwheel. Who am I kidding I can’t even touch my toes. Chris Pratt’s a fan, Zac Efron’s a fan and I’m pretty sure every aspiring gymnast in the world is a fan of Simone Biles. Not to mention her sassy leotards and eye make up, the girl is unstoppable! In fact, the entire US ladies gymnastic team were for me, the ultimate squad goals of Rio 2016. How do I join!?