Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
If there is a magical conclusion to the 2016 Olympic Games, well then it was right here tonight in D.C with the Team USA Awards that featured appearances by over 600 of the best athletes in the world from all parts of the games including all of the Paralympic athletes.
There was little surprise from the crowd when Swimmers Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky were named the Male and Female Athletes of the Olympic Games at the Team USA Awards, which took place Wednesday evening at Georgetown University’s McDonough Arena in Washington, D.C.
Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, claimed six medals in Rio to increase his Olympic medal total to 28. Unfortunately, Phelps had to appear by closed circuit tv in a recorded statement from the Ryder Cup, where he is cheering on the USA Team to victory. Must be tough when you are one of the highest in demand athletes .
Ledecky broke two world records on her way to winning four golds and one silver in Rio.
Many of the athletes including the Paralympic ones had their shining moments continue for one more night. Some of them who have amazing stories of what they have overcome through injury, loss of limbs, no matter what their issue, they were determined to continue on and earn their chance for gold in Rio.
Other winners included:
Team of the Olympic Games: Final Five (women’s gymnastics)
Female Athlete of the Paralympic Games: Tatyana McFadden (track and field)
Male Athlete of the Paralympic Games: Brad Snyder (swimming)
Team of the Paralympic Games: Women’s sitting volleyball
