Germany's top gold medal hopes in Rio
It's always tricky to know who has what it takes to claim Olympic gold. But these men, women and teams are among Germany's greatest hopes in Rio.
Modern pentathlon: Lena Schöneborn
The 30-year-old, synonymous with the sport in Germany, already has one Olympic gold to her name after fencing, swimming, riding, shooting and running her way to victory in Beijing in 2008. She was unable to back it up in London four years later, finishing a disappointing 15th, but she's ready for Rio, with an individual World Championship win in 2015 still fresh in the memory.
Handball: The German men's team
After their surprise success in this year's European Championship in Poland, the squad are looking to double up in Rio. Germany coach Dagur Sigurdsson is determined to lead Germany's young and ambitious handball team to Olympic glory after the country's ignominous failure to qualify in 2012.
Discus: Robert Harting
Could it be that four years on from London we will once again see the 31-year-old rip his shirt from his body in pure joy? It certainly could. Harting has nerves of steel but whether he has the body to match is the big question. After a long time out with a cruciate injury, he'll be hopeful his knee can hold together for one last shot at Olympic glory.
Rowing: The German Men's Eight
In their final dress rehearsal for the big one, these men came up trumps, pipping world champions Great Britain to the post at the World Cup final in Poznan earlier this year. "We can look with confidence towards Rio," said Germany coach Ralf Holt Meyer after that win - and not much has changed.
Tennis: Angelique Kerber
The 28-year-old recently proved her 2016 Australian Open win was no fluke with an exceptional run to the Wimbledon final, where she ran in to the irresistible force that is Serena Williams. But the German may find the Olympic final will be the perfect moment to serve up a helping of revenge.
Eventing: Michael Jung
The Olympic champion is likely to prove hard to beat in Rio. Indeed, Jung's sternest competition is likely to come in the shape of teammate Sandra Auffarth, who was selected ahead of her colleague at the World Equestrian Games in 2014. This one could be a rivalry to watch.
Beach volleyball: Ludwig/Walkenhorst
These two are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jonas Reckermann and Julius Brink, who claimed a shock win in London four years ago. Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst are European champions, lead the World Tour and are ready for gold. "How exciting! Let's goooooo to Riooooo!" the pair recently posted on Facebook.
Football: German women's team
An Olympic win would be the perfect parting gift for national team coach Silvia Neid, who will end her 11-year stint at the helm and pass the baton on to Steffi Jones after the Games. Unlike many of the male sides in Rio, there are no second strings here but European Champions Germany are still strong favorites.
Gymnastics: Fabian Hambüchen
Bronze in Beijing in 2008, silver in London in 2012, surely a gold in Rio in 2016 is the next logical step in Hambüchen's career. The artistic gymnast has suffered from shoulder problems of late but says he's in good shape for the Games: "I'm back to 100% performance and I'll enjoy every moment of Rio," he said.