Seven sporting reasons to be excited about Rio 2016
With doping scandals and poor humanitarian conditions taking the headlines for the Rio Olympics, DW takes a look at some of the most exciting sporting aspects of the Summer Games.
Insane Usain
Already considered one of the finest Olympians of all-time, Usain Bolt is seeking his third hat-trick of medals as he enters the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay in the hope of etching himself into the annuals of Olympic history.
Advantage Kerber on hard court?
Just two months from Wimbledon heartache, Angelique Kerber seeks to prevent Serena Williams collecting back-to-back Olympic Gold medals in Brazil. With Keber triumphing in the Australian Open final against the American this year on the same surface, the world number two could perhaps add to Germany's gold medal tally.
Phelps' final plunge
Looking to build on the staggering 18 gold medals accumulated at four summer tournaments already, Michael Phelps is to become only the second swimmer in US history, after Dara Torres, to compete at five Olympic Games after announcing his return from retirement earlier this year. Whether he wins or not, his return will be worth the watch.
Will the hosts benefit?
After reaching their best medal tally at London 2012 with 17 medals, Brazil will be hoping the 465 athletes representing them will be able to significantly improve as the Summer Olympics heads to South America for the first time. Having collected only three golds four years ago, the home athletes will be hoping the crowd can lead them to even more glory this summer.
Young stars
Dominating the 2014 Youth Olympic Games with three gold and two bronze medals, Giarnni Regini-Moran of Great Britain will be hoping to cause a surprise as he graduates this year. Moreover, Katie Ledecky, now aged 19, wishes to build on her stunning result from London 2012 after triumphing over Rebecca Adlington in the pool.
Germany to dominate again?
While the hosts are considered favourites for gold in the men's football, Brazilians shudder at the thought of a World Cup repeat like the semi-final in 2014 when Germany scored seven. No player from the respective Olympic squads featured that day in Belo Horizonte, so perhaps the outcome could be different should the sides meet on their quest for gold.
Determination epitomised
Thomas van der Plaetsen defeated the most fearsome opponent possible en route to the Rio Olympic Games when he overcame testicular cancer. Now the Belgian decathlete is able to focus on adding another medal to his collection after gaining gold at the European Championships in The Netherlands last month to complete an emphatic story.