Bob Costas: Why We Love the 2016 Olympics

Everybody loves a good summer party. And this year, one of the biggest parties ever is coming to Brazil when the 2016 Olympic Games begin Aug. 5 in Rio de Janeiro. More than 200 countries and nearly 11,000 athletes are expected to take part in the Games. And I’ll be there too—as NBC’s primetime host for the 11th time.

One of the things I enjoy most about the Olympics is the stories—about the athletes, the history of the games and the host city. After years of preparation, and for 17 days at every venue, everyone pours their heart and soul into what they hope will be the performance of a lifetime.

Here is a preview of just a few highlights of what is sure to be a dramatic and inspiring event.

RIO DE JANEIRO

Over the past few decades, as the Olympics have crisscrossed the globe, every host city from Sydney to London has been at the heart of a different story. Now the Games are venturing to South America for the first time, and Rio will welcome the world with a samba-infused celebration—from nighttime beach volleyball on the famous Copacabana beach to competition at the Barra Olympic Park, the home of 15 venues.

COMEBACK KIDS

In Rio, familiar superstars return to try to add to their already record hauls of gold medals. In 2012, London was supposed to be the last Olympics for Michael Phelps, but the American swimming legend has come out of
retirement and will try to return to the pinnacle of his sport at the age of 31. Phelps already is the most decorated Olympian of all time, but says he’s now refocused and training as hard as ever for what we assume will be his last Olympic go-round.

While Phelps has long been the biggest headliner in the pool, Usain Bolt has unquestionably been the king of the track. The Jamaican sprinter won gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters in both Beijing and London with record-breaking times so dominant over a talented field that even longtime observers were awed. He will now look to add to his already unprecedented feats by going for a third consecutive title in each of those two races, as well as the 4×100-meter relay.

SPORTS REVIVAL

Rugby and golf are exciting additions to the Olympics in Rio. The last time rugby was an Olympic event was 1924 in Paris. Golf’s been away since
the St. Louis Games of 1904. But many of the world’s best golfers will tee it up in Rio. There’s a lot to love and look forward to as Brazil welcomes the world this summer.

Bob Costas is a 26-time Emmy Award-winning journalist.