5 Storylines To Follow During The Upcoming Olympics
The 2012 London Olympic Games are approaching and there are many intriguing story lines to follow during the games. Here are five story lines that are especially worth following during the Olympics.
Can Michael Phelps Repeat Beijing Success?
Michael Phelps announced earlier in the year that the upcoming Olympics would be his last competition. Phelps plans to retire after the games at age twenty-seven. Phelps will be competing in seven events, with two possibly being against his arch-rival Ryan Lochte, who some consider to be the best swimmer in the world going into the games. Recently, fellow teammate, Tyler Clary criticized Phelps' work ethic. Can Phelps prove Clary wrong? Can Phelps beat Lochte? These are things to watch for during the upcoming games.
Are They Really The Dream Team?
Recently, the current U.S Men's Basketball team has been compared to the "Dream Team" of the 1992 Olympics. However, the team has already faced injuries before leaving for London. Blake Griffin suffered a torn meniscus and will miss the games entirely. It will be up to rookie Anthony Davis to fill his shoes. Also, Spain's Serge Ibaka recently said that he believes Spain's national team is every bit as good as Team USA. Can the U.S prove him wrong? Can Davis fill in the hole left by Griffin's injury? Is this really the next "dream team?" Their first game is July 29 against France.
Is Missy Franklin Swimming's Next Superstar?
At only 17, Missy Franklin is considered to be one of the best swimmers in the world heading into the Olympics. She will swim in seven events, four of them individual races, and three of them team relays. If she places in all of these races she'll become the first female athlete to win seven medals at one Olympiad. That's a lot of pressure for someone so young. The question is can she handle the pressure and become swimming's next big star?
Will They Get Redemption?
Last summer, the U.S Women's Soccer team lost to Japan in the Women's World Cup. They come into the Olympics as one of the most well-known soccer teams in the world. However, Goalie Hope Solo recently received a warning about her use of performance enhancing drugs. Will all this attention distract Team USA, or will they avenge last years World Cup loss by winning gold in London?
Can Bolt Make History?
Usain Bolt made history in 2008 at Beijing and has the chance to make even more history in London. In Beijing Bolt won gold in all three of his races, setting world records in the process. If he does the same in London he would become the first sprinter in history to win the 100-and 200 meter sprint at consecutive Olympic games. In Jamaica's Olympic Trials last month he was beaten twice by Yohan Blake. Will he be able to win in London?
