17 Latino Athletes to Watch at Rio 2016

The Mexican diver and Pan American champion has two chances for gold, competing solo and in synchronized diving with partner Alejandra Orozco.

The Colombian "queen of BMX" is heading to Rio to defend her London gold medal — the second time ever her birth country won top prize at the Olympics. Her many fans back in Medellin are eagerly expecting her to come home with another win.

The two-time winning wrestler is hoping for a third championship — and chances are he will take it.

You might have never heard of pentathlon — that's fencing, freestyle swimming, show jumping, shooting, and cross-country running — but this year, you should pay attention. Brazilian-born Yane is a favorite to take the first spot.

The Barcelona soccer player skipped the Copa América Centenario in order to prevent any injury. Now, with all eyes on him and the expectation that he'll guide Brazil to its first gold medal for men's soccer, the pressure is on.

The Colombian, a London 2012 silver medalist in triple jump, is the current world champion and favorite for gold.

The South American racewalker has never taken an Olympic medal, but he might change that this year.

The judo heavyweight is defending her title, but she'll have to get past favorites Song Yu of China and Maria Altheman from Brazil.

The épée fencer was the first Latino to take gold in his category in 108 years when he took first place at London 2012. Being elected to carry the Venezuelan flag during the opening ceremony of the games at Rio, his country's hopes are certainly on a repeat win.

The Dominican sprinter and 2012 silver medalist is so fast, but he scored 10th in the World Championship in China last year.