I’ve decided to take a break from talking about what we can do about our own fitness, in order to talk about the people who are considered to have the best fitness in our country (and sometimes the world): the U.S. Olympic athletes. Most of these athletes have been training in their respective events for as long as they can remember and have prepared themselves to be in peak physical condition for each Olympic Game in which they are qualified. These athletes have astounding skill in their sports and deserve the recognition the Olympics brings them.

During the writing of this article, the U.S.A. ranked 1st for total number of medals with 65. China, with a total of 61, has the highest number of gold medals (35). The U.S. holds 19 gold medals. This number cannot go without the mention of Michael Phelps. I’m sure you’ve heard of him by now. Michael Phelps has undoubtedly made headlines in most of America’s newspapers, and his name probably is well-recognized in many other countries now. He is the first athlete in history to earn eight gold medals in the Summer Olympics. The events he earned gold in were the Men’s 200m Freestyle, Men’s 100m Butterfly, Men’s 200m Butterfly, Men’s 200m Individual Medley, Men’s 400m Individual Medley, Men’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay, Men’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay, and Men’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay. Now that’s a mouthful.

Swimming hauled in the most golds, but there were many other disciplines where we had winners: tennis, fencing, gymnastics artistic, rowing, shooting, and cycling.

One of my favorite events to watch is gymnastics. I can’t believe the routine that the gymnasts are able to perform. One of the female American athletes worth mentioning here is Shawn Johnson. Johnson, the 2007 World Champion, has had to “settle” for three silvers. It might be disappointing for her, but it’s still amazing to me.

As the Olympics continue, expect to see more amazing feats from our nation’s greatest athletes. The Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh volleyball duo are certainly worth watching.