London was disappointing.
That’s the only way to put an Olympic Games that yielded just seven gold medals for Australia – our lowest tally since 1992.
Expectations of our Olympic success have risen in recent times, particularly after Sydney 2000, and the fall-out to the London failure was big.
But, in good news for Aussie fans, the experts are tipping a green-and-gold resurgence in Rio de Janeiro.
Here are the athletes who will determine the success or failure of Australia’s 2016 campaign.
Cate Campbell (Swimming)
Campbell could be our Rio golden girl. Photo: Getty
Events: 50m and 100m freestyle
A record-shattering spree in recent months have Campbell tipped to be our golden girl in the pool.
She is the favourite in both the 50m and 100m freestyle races, and won a gold at London 2012 in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay – the only success Australia had in the pool at those Games. Individual success now looks likely.
Cameron McEvoy (Swimming)
McEvoy wants to end a big Aussie drought. Photo: Getty
Event: 100m freestyle
McEvoy was just 18 in London, swimming in Australia’s relay teams and being one of the ‘Stilnox Five’.
But he returns for his second Olympics as the heavy favourite in the 100m freestyle – an event not won by an Aussie since Michael Wenden in 1968.
Mitch Larkin (Swimming)
Larkin is a backstroke master. Photo: Getty
Events: 100m and 200m backstroke
Also from the Sunshine State and a teenager in London, Larkin has established himself as a big name in recent years.
He won gold in the 200m backstroke at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and then broke the short course world record last November. He’s also favoured to take out the 100m event.
Kookaburras
Rio will be Jamie Dwyer’s fourth Olympics. Photo: Getty
Event: Men’s hockey
They are on top of the men’s world rankings and have won a medal at every Olympic Games since 1992.
But to claim glory, the Kookaburras will have to break a frustrating gold drought.
Graham Reid’s side haven’t won the event since 2004, winning bronze at the last two Games. Germany and Netherlands shape as our biggest rivals.
Anna Meares (Cycling)
Meares is an Olympic veteran. Photo: Getty
Events: Women’s keirin
Australia’s flag-bearer and one of our most inspirational athletes ever, Meares – who will contest many events – is a great chance to win the keirin event.
The 11-time world champion’s biggest challenge in the keirin will come from German Kristina Vogel.
Meares’ incredible comeback from a broken neck suffered in a cycling accident to win silver in the sprint just seven months later at Beijing in 2008 serves as constant inspiration to all Aussie Olympians.
Jessica Fox (Canoeing)
Fox won silver in London. Photo: Getty
Event: Women’s K1 slalom
At just 18, Fox took out the silver medal in this event in London.
She’s won gold at the last three world championships and will be full of confidence in her bid to go one better in Rio.
Fox – whose parents are both Olympians – had to beat younger sister Noemie for the single spot representing Australia in the K1 slalom.
Men’s Pursuit Team (Cycling)
Sam Welsford is one of our pursuit stars. Photo: Getty
Australia’s fierce rivalry with Great Britain is set to peak when the nations clash in this event.
The Brits won in London, finishing almost three seconds quicker than the Aussies to take gold in world record time.
But the tables were turned at March’s world championships and a repeat seems on the cards.
The Opals
Liz Cambage will spearhead the Opals. Photo: Getty
Event: Women’s basketball
Runners-up to perpetual powerhouses USA in Sydney, Athens and Beijing, Australia came home with the bronze in 2012 after an upset overtime loss to France in the pool stage put them on the Americans’ side of the semi-final draw.
The Aussies will miss retired legend Lauren Jackson but expect Elizabeth Cambage to step up. The silver medal is the minor aim – but don’t discount a gold.
Kim Brennan (Rowing)
Brennan won bronze in London. Photo: Getty
Event: Women’s single sculls
In a typically strong Australian rowing team, Brennan is one of the stand-outs.
She won bronze in the event in London but the Melbourne product is the undisputed favourite this time around after going unbeaten in the event for two years.
Women’s Rugby Sevens
Ellia Green is one of the team’s stars. Photo: Getty
The men’s team may only rate as an outside chance, but the Aussies head into the inaugural Olympic Rugby Sevens event as gold medal favourites after winning the 2015-16 IRB Series.
A potential dream final against New Zealand is on the cards.
But Canada and England will also be formidable contenders.