Can you believe it was four years ago that we saw Michael Phelps win gold medal after gold medal…after gold medal? No? Neither can we.
But luckily it is time for another round of Summer Olympics — this time in one of the favorite places for collegiettes to study abroad: London!
With the upcoming opening ceremony and days of races, competitions, and getting to know the Olympians as well as LeBron James and Katie Holmes, the collegiettes at Her Campus are getting anxious! So we wanted to share with you what we’re most looking forward to — and hope you’ll do the same by leaving a comment below!
Just one thing: David Beckham.
– Alexandra Churchill, Editorial Intern, University of New Hampshire
I was a gymnast from preschool to high school, so it’s always my favorite event to watch. This year, I’m even more excited because gymnast Aly Raisman comes from my hometown! We went to high school together and even spent a few years at the same gym. Go Aly!
– Hannah Orenstein, High School Editor, New York University
I’m looking most forward to gymnastics. It’s my favorite summer Olympic sport. I’m super sad that Shawn Johnson, Alicia Sacramone, and Nastia Liukin won’t be competing this year…I mean did you see Nastia’s fall during trials? It was heartbreaking! And adorable little Shawn has always been my favorite with her fierceness. When I was bored I used to watch gymnastics competitions throughout the year and always loved her, but I understand and respect their decisions to retire and am hoping to find some new favorites as I’m sure we still have a stellar team. I also enjoy watching volleyball and diving.
– Taylor Bass, Campus Correspondent, Wellseley College
I studied abroad in London last semester, and I lived right across from where the stadium was built! I can’t wait to watch the coverage and see all the places I fell in love with (and have the rest of the world see them, too!).
– Amanda Quain, Campus Correspondent, Cornell University
I am really looking forward to watching the incredible men’s swim team, and of course gymnastics! All the athletes are amazing and inspirational though and I’d love to watch at least a little bit of every sport. I’m so excited to have these strong and amazing athletes motivate me to get out there and continue to work on my fitness goals.
– Rachel Crocetti,Campus Correspondent, Hofstra University
I’m looking forward to seeing whether or not Ryan Lochte can beat Michael Phelps. I’m torn between the two because Phelps went to Michigan but Lochte is beautiful (as you can see my priorities are not really in order). I’m also really looking forward to watching gymnastics and seeing Aly Raisman compete, who is my friend’s cousin and from the town next to mine, so that’s very exciting.
– Sammie Levin, Health Editor, University of Michigan
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I love synchronized diving! The dedication those duos have is so inspirational (and I’ve always wanted to chill in that hot tub they sit in as they wait for their scores). Also, there’s something about Michael Phelp’s crooked smile and swimmer’s body that I adore.
– Kelsey Mulvey, Contributing Writer, Boston University
Watching Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh pair up for another Olympics will be interesting, especially since their ranking as a beach volleyball domination team has finally slipped a bit — and because this is the first Olympics since Walsh had her two sons!
– Sarah Kawash, Contributing Writer, Kenyon College
I’ve always been obsessed with Olympic gymnastics and I’m looking forward to diving, but I’m honestly too preoccupied by my thought that I wish I could be back in London to experience the hype first hand. My semester abroad ended a few months too early…It’s time for a visit!
– Lauren Kaplan, Contributing Writer, Emory University
As a former swimmer, I am always pumped for the Summer Olympics. Swimming isn’t exactly the most popular sport, but every four years it’s our time to shine. Great athletes like Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin and the accompanying rivalries and triumphs attract tons of new fans to the sport. Of course I’m a little bit biased, but swimming is one of the greatest sports and during the Olympics it is enjoyed by people all over the world. I feel a little more connected to the action and it’s a great reason to get together with old teammates!
– Alaine Perconti, Campus Correspondent, Miami University Ohio
I really love the Visa commercials with Morgan Freeman’s voice. They make me cry. Especially when they have special ones congratulating certain athletes. I am looking forward to watching tennis, swimming, gymnastics, and equestrian events.
– Hannah Anderson, Campus Correspondent, University of St. Andrews
I’ve never really been much into sports. Everyone fights about what team is looking best and who deserves to win. You can pit best friends against each other when it comes to something like the Super Bowl, and that’s just not my style. But during the Olympics, everyone is on the same team: USA. There’s something about the Olympics that unites everyone behind our athletes and suddenly, everyone’s cheering for the same players. There’s nothing else like it.
– Nicole Gartside, Contributing Writer, New York University
I love absolutely everything about the Olympics, but the Opening Ceremony is always my favorite! I just love the spectacle, the artistry, and how all the countries come together in celebration. 2012 is even more special for me, since I spent last semester abroad in London and volunteering for London 2012 Ceremonies — so now I REALLY can’t wait to see the final product!
– Darci Miller, Contributing Writer, University of Miami