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2012 Olympic Games overview

Can’t decide what events to watch during the 2012 Olympic Games this summer? Check out these popular sports and disciplines happening in London.

London 2012 logo

The London 2012 Olympic Games are sure to be full of thrills, excitement and plenty of nail-biting moments.

Starting July 27, tune in to watch your favorite athletes and countries battle it out with their rivalries and go for the gold medal. No matter what you choose, with 26 sports represented (and many more disciplines), there won’t be a dull moment.

Basketball

The big discussion surrounding men’s basketball is if this year’s U.S. Dream Team is as good as that of the Michael Jordan era. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and team will try to prove the critics wrong and lead Team USA to gold, but they’ll have to beat top teams from Spain and Argentina along the way.

Beach volleyball

Americans Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor have been called the greatest beach volleyball team of all time, and they’re looking to repeat with gold at this year’s games. Although they’ve admittedly had a rocky road in some recent competitions, they’re feeling good and are ready to take on the their higher-ranked competitors from China and Brazil.

Learn more about Olympian Kerri Walsh and her healthy lifestyle >>

Track and field

In a surprising upset, defending gold medal champion and track star Usain Bolt was recently beaten in the Jamaican trials by teammate Yohan Blake, who bested Bolt in the 100m and 200m events. While it seems certain that Jamaica will win at least one gold medal, we’ll have to wait and see which Jamaican brings it home. Watch for some friendly competition between teammates at these events.

Road cycling

This year’s road race event should have you on the edge of your seat. Less than a week ago at the Tour de France, up-and-coming sprinter Peter Sagan bested the world’s fasted sprinter Mark Cavendish. Cavendish will have something to prove in London, but other riders like Tom Boonen and Philippe Gilbert will try for an upset as well. Defending gold medalist Samuel Sanchez will miss his chance to repeat due to injuries sustained at the Tour de France.

Need a little eye candy? Check out these hot cyclists >>

Tennis

The pristine courts at Wimbledon will be home to this year’s Olympic tennis tournament as players vie for the gold. In year’s past, the Olympics haven’t attracted top stars, but this year is rife with the world’s highest-ranking players. Unfortunately Rafael Nadal, defending Olympic champion, has pulled out of this year’s games, due to an undisclosed injury, leaving top seeds Roger Federer (who recently won Wimbledon) and Novak Djokovic to battle it out on the courts.

Swimming

After winning an astounding eight gold medals in Beijing, it looks like Michael Phelps will have a little competition in London from one of his own teammates. Ryan Lochte, who has three gold medals himself,  has beaten Phelps in some of the Olympic trials leading up to the event. They’re sure to give it their all in the London pools.

Check out these diet tips from Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin >>

This is just a small sampling of the competition and events taking place at the 2012 Olympics. Each day from July 27 to Aug. 12 will be worth watching, from the opening ceremony on.

More on the Olympics

10 Cool facts about the Olympics that your kids will love
Shawn Johnson calls it quits on Olympic career
What your kids can learn from the Olympics

Image credit: NBC

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