RIO 2016…FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER

 

Yes it’s the Olympics.

One Year, 12 Months, 365 Days, however you want to visualise it, the 5^th August in 2016 will see the 28^th edition of the most coveted event in sporting history staged in the flamboyant, sun-filled, salsa dancing, party central, wild and outrageously fun metropolis of Rio. With the hangover from the World Cup now well and truly over, FIFA haven’t done themselves nor Brazil any favours with the corruption scandals which somehow weren't uncovered until recently. Yet Brazil will be hoping for an out of sight out of mind mentality as they will become the first country in South America to play host to the biggest sporting event the world. The purity and notion the Olympics attaches itself to will be tested as the beacon for hope will undoubtedly be personified in Rio's notable statue - 'Christ the Redeemer'. The stadiums which were finished literally as players were touching down at Rio de Janeiro's Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport for the World Cup are ‘ready’, the infrastructure is 'there' and thousands upon thousands of athletes and sports fan will have an excuse to explore the country once again. Without a doubt the public spotlight will once again be shone on the unfortunate slum communities and their suffering and without a doubt once again, the spectacle as a whole will outweigh just what happens to tourism dollars. Just remember the Olympic values which brand the event to recognise the best examples of excellence, sportsmanship, talent, friendship and respect. Will that translate down to everyone? Announced last week, Rio  will employ more than twice the number of security personnel for 2016 than London used in 2012, but they will not plan to occupy the city's notorious favelas, the games' organisers said. Just under 90,000 people made up of security guards, stewards and private security firms will try and bring a safe and secure environment for athletes and fans alike. The bottom line from all of this is Brazil will receive an enormous boost from another near month long sporting tournament. From Australia's point of view the 2016 Games will be one of redemption for the green and gold. In no uncertain terms, London 2012 was a disaster for the Aussies. Must we mention we were beaten by the arch enemy – Great Britain. The home side blitzed 2012, as does any home nation due to extra funding and a near win at all costs mentality. We were tenth on the medal tally in London …. TENTH! Our 'haul', if you can call it that, was 7 Golds, 16 Silvers and 12 Bronzes. Without Softball or Baseball nor a medal in Rowing or Hockey it wasn't a great campaign. Special mentions though must go to Anna Meares, Sally Pearson and Leisel Jones who allowed us to keep our heads held high. Given the time frame it's now all about 2016. The teams and sports are getting down to the knitty gritty. Cycling, Boxing, Swimming and new kids on the block, Golfers and Rugby Union 7’s players will be aspiring for the ultimate recognition to stand on top of the podium and sing the National anthem. The great thing about this is STING will be there! After a successful partnership with the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games supplying all the equipment STING will be the official boxing equipment supplier to the 2016 Rio Olympics!!! We can't wait to get over there where we hope to see some of our sponsored athletes doing their thing in the ring in Rio! Some STING athletes who will be vying for a spot are; Kristy Harris the 3 x National Flyweight Champ has been in red hot form with training camps in India & the Philippines. The 21 year-old Geelong pugilist is baby faced yet is feared by most when in the ring. STING's newest athlete Clay Waterman, will definitely be on the selector's radars. Waterman is Australia's first ever Junior Amateur World Champion. The now 19 year-old Queenslander packs a punch as a Middleweight and nearly broke Muhammad Ali’s amateur record of undefeated fights. Kaye Scott, the 31 year-old fights out of NSW and was on camp with Kristy Harris in India working up a sweat. The skipper of Glasgow's Commonwealth Games Boxing team has been boxing for over five years now and has November's National Titles in her sights. Stay tuned for everything Rio related.