Sport360's top five gold medal favourites at Rio

Sport360 staff 14:20 04/08/2016

The Olympics are all about competition between the world’s greatest athletes.

But, some athletes are so head and shoulders above the rest that their event is all but a formality.

Here are Rio’s top five most overwhelming odds on favourites to earn a gold medal.

USA BASKETBALL

Both the men’s and women’s teams should have no problem finishing on top. When it comes to basketball, there’s a wide gap between USA and everyone else.

KATIE LEDECKY

For individual athletes, the American swimmer may be the biggest lock for a gold as she’s a massive favourite in the 200m, 400m and 800m.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

The world’s No1 ranked player is always expected to come out on top and even more so at the Games, with many other top players having dropped out.

SIMONE BILES

Widely considered the top gymnast in the world at the moment, the 19-year-old American could win five golds, including the individual all-around.

CASTER SEMENYA 

She’ll have to deal with controversy, but the South African sprinter should not only win the 800m, but also challenge the world record of 1:53.28.

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