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We're not sure if you’ve heard, but a little amateur sporting event begins tonight. Don’t worry if you’re totally not caught up on your Olympic trivia and fast facts, read on. As long as you can drop one of these seven facts into an Olympics-related conversation during the next 17 days, you’ll be able to fool the masses -- or at the very least, some of your co-workers.
This is London’s third time hosting the Olympics.
London has had much practice for these games. It’s the only city to host the modern Olympics three times. The first time was in 1908. It had to hurry to get the games together after it became apparent the original host city, Rome, wouldn’t be prepared.
The city also had the games in 1948. It was known as the Austerity Games because the city was rebuilding after World War II.
Missy Franklin could help Colorado heal and best Michael Phelps.
The 17-year-old swimmer could win more swimming medals at the games than anyone else. That includes Michael Phelps. She’s competing in seven events and is arguably the top female swimmer in the world.
The Colorado native has dedicated her performance to the victims of the Aurora, Colorado, tragedy. The teen is from nearby Centennial.
Michael Phelps could become the most decorated Olympian ever.
He was Beijing’s golden boy, taking home a record eight gold medals and displacing Mark Spitz as a trivia answer. The 14-time gold medalist won’t repeat the feat this go around. Phelps only will compete in seven events. He decided to drop the 200-meter freestyle. But, he still has a chance to become the most decorated Olympian in history.
The number to beat is 18. Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina currently holds the record, according to ESPN.com. Phelps has a total of 16 medals already. Odds are he’ll surpass this record.
Saudi Arabia will have its first ever female athletes on its Olympic squad.
The Muslim nation named two women to its team. Runner Sarah Attar will compete in the 800-meter race and Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani will tackle judo. Shahrkhani will not wear her Islamic headscarf during competition, according to NBC.
Ryan Lochte could steal Phelps thunder.
Ryan Lochte is Phelps rival and teammate. He’s also the man who beat the famed swimmer in a head-to-head match at the Olympic trials. Lochte has been getting a ton of play leading up to the games, but remains in Phelps shadow. London could change that.
This is the first car-free Olympics.
Only athletes, trainers and dignitaries will be allowed to use cars, according to Forbes. No other guests or ticket holders can arrive to any of the venues by automobile. Have your London Underground passes ready.
The oldest competitor in the Olympics is 71.
Japan’s Hiroshi Hoketsu was also the oldest athlete in the 2008 games, according to the New York Times. The equestrian first began competing in the games in 1964.
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