Spartan Athletes Head to Rio 2016 Olympics

The 2016 Summer Olympic games start in just nine days! This year’s games will be in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil starting on Friday, August 5 with the opening ceremony and ending on Sunday, August 21 with the closing ceremony.

Olympics
Many Spartan athletes prepare to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Photo courtesy of Communications and Brand Strategy.

Did you know that this year there will be 306 events for 42 sports in over 37 venues, with 206 countries represented? Another fun fact for 2016 is that golf will be included again for the first time since 1904. With so many different events to watch, you’ll want to check your local t.v. listings to see what events your channels will feature. You can watch every event online via live streaming on NBCOlympics.com and NBC Sports Live Extra app.You can also visit the Rio 2016 Olympics website to find out when your favorite events are and for all your Olympics information.

There are many Spartans headed to Rio to participate in the games, both for the U.S. Olympic team and for other countries. Here’s a list of Spartans to watch for.

  • Emily Regan, U.S. Rowing Team, Women’s Eight, 2010 Alumna
    • When to watch:
      • Monday, August 8 at 7:30 a.m., Heats
      • Saturday, August 13 at 7:50 a.m., Finals and Victory Ceremonies
    • Fun fact: first-ever MSU representative for Olympic rowing
  • Christie Daiss, Team USA Pharmacist for Medical Services Team in Olympic Village, 2006 Alumna
  • Draymond Green, U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, 2012 Alumna
    • When to watch:
      • Saturday, August 6 at 6:00 p.m. vs. China
      • Monday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m. vs. Venezuela
      • Wednesday, August 10 at 6:00 p.m. vs. Australia
      • Friday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m. vs. Serbia
      • Sunday, August 14 at 1:15 p.m. vs. France
      • Men’s Quaterfinals on Wednesday, August 17
      • Men’s Semifinals on Friday, August 19
      • Bronze Medal Games on Sunday, August 21
    • Fun fact: third Spartan to represent MSU in Olympic Games after 16 years without one
  • Franklin Gomez, Puerto Rico Olympic Team, Wrestling, Men’s freestyle 65kg, 2010 Alumna
    • When to watch:
      • Sunday, August 21
  • Mohamed Hrezi, Libya Olympic team, marathon runner, current Broad MBA student
    • When to watch:
      • Sunday, August 21 at 8:30 a.m.
    • Fun fact: Libya’s sole runner in all track and field events

To read more about the Spartans headed to Rio, see the MSUToday feature here.

Make sure to cheer for our Spartans as they compete in the games. You can also follow the Paralympic Games on September 7-18. Go green!

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