The Summer Olympic Games are set to go live from Rio de Janeiro as athletes from all over the world compete for national pride.
There are several sports to keep an eye on in this year's competitions, which includes basketball, tennis, golf, gymnastics, swimming and running -- among others.
With these competitions, there are several big-name, marquee athletes that will be involved as they try to bring home the gold for their respective countries. The Opening Ceremonies are set to take place on Friday, officially ringing in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Here are 10 athletes to watch for in this year's Olympic Games. To view this article in slideshow form, CLICK START at the top right of this page.
10) Ashton Eaton
The 28-year-old track and field star is definitely someone worth keeping tabs on. Eaton is looking to become a two-time decathlon gold medalist -- which would make him the first person to do that since 1988. Eaton broke the 9,000 point barrier twice in his career, most recently last August at the worlds in China.
9) Simone Biles
This 19-year-old gymnast is the most-decorated female gymnast in history. Biles is seeking to win the all-around gold and to add an Olympic gold medal to her growing list of accolades.
8) Katie Ledecky
A 19-year-old swimmer, Ledecky originally made a splash by winning the 800-meter freestyle four years ago when she was only 15. Ledecky also became the first swimmer to ever sweep the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m frees in a major international competition.
7) Missy Franklin
Franklin, 21, has four gold medals under her belt as an Olympic swimmer and will be looking to add to her collection. The swimmer picked up those medals (along with a bronze) at just 17 years of age at the London Games in 2012.
6) Mikko Ilonen
Golf has returned to the Olympic Games and even though the likes of Jason Day, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day backed out of the competition amid fears over the Zika virus and security issues, it will still be a welcomed return to the proceedings. Ilonen, 36, plays on the European tour and is a native of Finland.
5) Usain Bolt
Bolt's name is synonymous with sprinting, but with the Rio Games expected to be the 29-year-old's last Olympics, he'll look to win the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x100-meter relay for the third consecutive time after being the first person to ever do so twice. The Jamaican sprinter has six gold medals to his name already.
4) Serena Williams
The 34-year-old tennis sensation will be plenty busy in Rio. The world No. 1 will defend a gold medal in singles competition and then team up with her sister, Venus, to defend their doubles gold medal together.
3) Neymar
Brazil has won the World Cup five times, but an Olympic gold medal has eluded it. The country looks to Neymar to help it end that drought. Neymar, 24, and Brazil kick off their quest for gold when they battle South Africa in Group A action on Thursday.
2) Carmelo Anthony
This slot is reserved mainly is for every member of Team USA as the men's basketball team is just a force to be reckoned with. Anthony, 32, will be a four-time Olympian this year and will look to help lead the stacked Team USA to its third straight gold medal.
1) Michael Phelps
The most-highly decorated Olympian of all-time deserves the No. 1 slot on this countdown. Phelps, 31, has 22 medals (18 gold) through three Olympics and as he returns to the pool, he'll look to expand on that impressive number.
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