Rio 2016: The female athletes to know about
The Olympic Games are to athletes what the Oscars are to actors.
With years of hope and dreams, months of intense training, and hours of nerves all leading up to the four-yearly, 16-day long sporting event, you can bet that a lot hangs in the balance for athletes competing in Rio 2016.
In the lead up to the Games, we take focus on the female names to know about.
From home-grown Jessica Ennis-Hill and her hopes of a second gold, to the 19-year-old American record-holding swimmer, and the 41-year-old Uzbekistanian gymnast who plans to come out on top, we chart the ladies to watch for Rio '16...
Getty ImagesJessica Ennis-Hill
Age: 30
Nationality: British
Sport: Heptathlon
Why you need to know about her: London 2012 was Jessica Ennis's Olympics. The all-rounder scored Britain a gold, and she's not ready to give up her title for Rio 2016. All eyes on you, Jessica.
PA PhotosLisa Carrington
Age: 27
Nationality: New Zealand
Sport: Kayaking
Why you need to know about her: Last year, Lisa Carrington won her fourth consecutive world title for the K1 200m. And for Rio 2016? She hopes to be kayaking her way to gold...
Rex FeaturesGenzeze Diababa
Age: 25
Nationality: Ethiopian
Sport: Long distance running
Why you need to know about her: Diababa broke three world records in two weeks last year in the 1500 meter, 3000, and two mile indoor races. Big hopes are pinned on her for Rio.
Getty ImagesDafne Schippers
Age: 24
Nationality: Dutch
Sport: 100m and 200m
Why you need to know about her: At the 2015 world championships, the young hopeful settled for silver in the 100m sprint. But for Rio, her sights are firmly set on gold.
Getty ImagesNicola Adams
Age: 33
Nationality: British
Sport: Boxing
Why you need to know about her: She won gold at London 2012, and British Nicola Adams is planning on making it a double. She's four years older, with four years more experience. We wouldn't want to be one of the competitors in her firing line...
Getty ImagesKatie Ledecky
Age: 19
Nationality: American
Sport: Swimming
Why you need to know about her: She's set 11 world records and set the second fastest 800m time in history at the 2012 Olympic games at just 19 years old, making us all feel like epic underachievers. But will she match her success in Rio? Hopes are high...
Getty ImagesLydia Ko
Age: 19
Nationality: New Zealand
Sport: Golf
Why you need to know about her: Golf? That's right: the sport will making a return to the Olympic games after 112 years away, and the world champion, Lydia Ko, has plans to play a leading role in the comeback.
PA PhotosOksana Chusovitina
Age: 41
Nationality: Uzbekistani
Sport: Gymnastics
Why you need to know about her: With a career spanning over a quarter of a century, Chusovitina knows her trade like no other. And for her seventh Olympic Games, she plans to add to her extensive medal repertoire.
Getty ImagesSimone Biles
Age: 19
Nationality: American
Sport: Gymnastics
Why you need to know about her: Someone who'll be giving Chusovitina a run for her money is 19-year-old Simone Biles. With a record list as long as her arm, the celebrated American champion is fully planning to make waves at Rio.
Getty ImagesTalita Antunes and Larissa Franca
Ages: 33 (Talita) and 34 (Larissa)
Nationality: Brazilian
Sport: Volleyball
Why you need to know about them: The volleyball duo won the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour just last year after first partnering up in 2014. They're hoping Rio 2016 will see all their hard work pay off...
