Of course there will be big American stories not listed below, but that is what the Olympics are all about, they're a place where stars are born and stories written in time.
10. Misty & Keri
America's
9. Americans Aboard
This isn't your father Russian basketball team, most of the players have played either pro or college ball in the US, including J.R. Holden who was born and raised in Pittsburgh PA. The Russian women also have an American citizen playing on their team in Becky Hammon. Though this is not the first time US citizens have participated for different countries, it could become quite the storyline should medals be at stake.
8. The Medal Count
In Athens the USA won a total of 102 Medals (36 Gold, 39 Silver, 27 Bronze), the most of any nation. The US has led the medal count at the last 3 summer games. China finished second in gold medals in 2004 with 32, so it's going to be very interesting to see the final count after Beijing.
7. Dara Torres
The 41 year old will be the first American swimmer to participate in 5 Olympics. She already has 9 medals, and is one of the freestyle favorites.
6. USA Women's Gymnastics
Gymnastics is still one of the marquee events of the Summer Games. Shawn Johnson is the current all-around world champion. Johnson along with Chellsie Memmel will try to led the talented US team to victory.
5. Team USA Basketball
With the roster they have, and after falling short in Athens, for Team
4. Tyson Gay
Gay set an American record in the 100 meters at the Olympic Trials. He also injured his leg at the event, so concerns loom over his olympic chances. With so many men capable of winning the 100 meters, it is one of the most anticipated events in Beijing.
3. Team USA Softball
With many calling the removal of baseball and softball after this Olympics a purely political move. Team USA has something to prove. Jennie Finch is being marketed as one of the female faces of the Games (smart marketing), but the USA also has roster full of some of the greatest softball players ever. Team USA is on a MISSON to bring back gold and make a statement in the process.
2. Hope Solo
Solo returns to the place where it all went down. The now famous incident where her coached benched her in the World cup, and her following criticisms put her on different plane home. Can you imagine what Terrell Owens, Manny or just about every other male athlete would have said if they were benched in a playoff game. Apparently things work a little different in women's soccer. Now Hope is back in China, with a new coach hoping to led the US women to victory, in a story line only the Olympics can provide.
1. Michael Phelps
The story of the games will be Phelps' pursuit of Mark Spitz's record of 7 gold medals. In the prime of his career at 23, Phelps will have a chance to own more gold medals than any athlete in Olympic history.
Phelps will take place in 8 events in Beijing
200-meter freestyle
100-meter butterfly
200-meter butterfly
200 & 400-meter individual medleys
400 & 800-meter freestyle relays
400-meter medley relay
Honorable Mentions
Ryan Lochte - USA's other top swimmer, he could stop Phelps quest for Gold.
Natalie Coughlin - America's top female swimmer.
Brian Urlacher & David Ortiz's Badminton Team - Will miss the games due to prior obligations.
Heather O'Reilly - The next Mia Hamm.
Remember the Games will be on early in the morning...and Go USA!
Olympic Medal Tracker
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