High expectations from Africa at Rio Olympics 2016

It’s some three months before the Olympic Games and expectations from participating African countries are quite high with most looking forward to a grand showdown with their opponents from other continents.

From racing long distances, to breaking records, it will all come down to one thing, winning Gold no matter how difficult it becomes.

Ethiopia and Kenya easily come to mind in track and field likewise other African countries who are ready to show their dominance in other sporting areas.

Recently shaken by a doping scandal, Kenya is ready to make amends on the field.

Asbel Kiprop and his partners will try to raise once again the Kenyan flag high.

World record runs in Asbel Kiprop’s mind https://t.co/bzgJ9W8Lrx #Kenya #Africa

— AfricaMediaNetwork (@AfricaMedia54) January 20, 2016

Apart from the triple world champion of 1500m, Kiprop, there is also David Rudisha, gold medalist in the 800m.

South Africa will also bank its hopes on Chad Le Clos who won the 200m butterfly in front of the legendary Michael Phelps with 22 medals, making him the most successful athlete at the Olympics as of 2012.

Chad le Clos Headlines Swimming South Africa Grand Prix in Stellenbosch https://t.co/1I3PiQhuYO pic.twitter.com/QeW128iziy

— Swimming World (@SwimmingWorld) February 27, 2016

Qualifying events continue to hold ahead of the August games with results to be taken from May 2015 to July 2016.

Confirmed African football representatives so far include Angola, Senegal and Tunisia including Nigeria who were African champions in 2015.

Nigeria’s Grean Eagles are coached by former Olympic gold medalist Samson Siasia, who won the competition in 1996 in Atlanta, USA.

Nigeria: Siasia Picks Squad for Rio Olympics https://t.co/XiOilYADOq pic.twitter.com/bJJ67XSrzz

— allAfrica.com (@allafrica) April 18, 2016

In handball, respectively for the boys and girls’ fields, Tunisia and Angola will represent Africa.

#Angola women's handball team qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics by winning the #Africa Qualification Tournament. pic.twitter.com/sVjLPFFwu6

— Brand Angola (@BrandAngola) April 26, 2015