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Olympics: Superstars

By Kyrie Collins, Highlands Ranch Macaroni Kid Publisher July 25, 2012
How is playing the bagpipes like throwing a javelin blindfolded? You don't have to be very good to get people's attention!

All jokes aside, the following athletes are a few who are sure to get (and keep) everyone's attention:

Track and Field:
 Usain Bolt (Jamaica) won the gold in 100m, 200m, and 4x100m in the 2008 Olympics and holds world records in all three events as well. Teammate Yohan Blake, however, beat him in the Jamaican trials and will keep the pressure on. Tyson Gay (USA), the second fastest man of all time, andJustin Gatlin (USA) are up to challenge them both. Don't blink or you might miss them all! 

Ashton Eaton (USA) smashed the Decathlon world record at the US trials and is a favorite for the gold.David Rudisha (Kenya) dominates over every other runner in the 800m and is expected to take the gold in that event.

Swimming:
 Michael Phelps made history in Beijing by being the first person to win the gold in eight races at a single Olympics. Phelps says this will be his last Olympics. Ryan Lochte (USA) is Phelps's biggest rival. Expect some fierce competition and tight races.

Natalie Coughlin (USA) will become the most successful female Olympics athlete of all time if she can earn two more medals in London. Stephanie Rice(Austrailia) earned 3 gold medals in Beijing and is a top contender for more in London. 

Gymnastics:
 Gymnastics has always been Romania's strongest sport (remember Nadia Comaneci?). Sandra Izbasa (Romania) will be defending the gold medal she earned in the floor exerices in Beijing. Jordyn Wieber(USA) is America's next gymnastics superstar and the reining world all-around champion.

Diving:
 Qiu Bo (China) earned the gold for the 10m platform at the 2011 World Championships with seven perfect 10s!

Boxing: More than half of Ireland's medals have been won by boxers. The trend may continue with Paddy Barnes and Adam Nolan as contenders.

Basketball:
 As always, the US Men's Basketball Teamis a favorite for the gold.

Cycling: Chris Hoy (Great Britain) is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the host country's top prospects for a medal. Marianne Vos(Netherlands) has an Olympic gold and several world championship titles and will be the one to beat in the women's competition.

Visit the NBC Olympics Athletes to Watch and Most Popular Athletes pages to learn more about these and other Stars of 2012!