It's been four agonizingly long years for the athletes who fell short of expectations at the 2012 London Olympics.
Some, like U.S. sprinter LaShawn Merritt and Australian swimmer Emily Seebohm, went from favorites to flameouts. Others, like Neymar and Brazil's soccer team, left having been oh-so-close to the top of the medal stand. The prestige and infrequency of the Olympics amplifies an athlete's emotions, and the anticipation for a shot at redemption in Rio is undoubtedly at its peak as the Games approach.
Here are some major competitors who have solid chances to dull the pain they felt in London.