19 U.S. Olympic athletes to watch in Rio
Every four years, the summer Olympics gives spectators a chance to watch some of the best athletes in the world compete for their country. These are the 19 Olympians you have to watch this August.
Just 19 years old, Simone Biles has a shot to be the next great Olympic gymnast. She's the first woman to win three consecutive world all-around titles. Now, she's seeking her first gold medal in her inaugural Olympic games.
Michael Phelps
Swimmer Michael Phelps will return to the Olympics for the fifth and possibly final time. Phelps, 31, is the most decorated Olympian of all time, with 22 medals (18 gold).
Ibtihaj Muhammad
At the 2016 Olympic games, Ibtihaj Muhammad will make history for the United States. Muhammad--a member of the fencing squad--will be the first U.S. Muslim woman to wear a hijab in the Olympics. She's currently the second-ranked women's fencer in America.
Kevin Durant
All eyes will be on basketball star Kevin Durant this summer, and not just because he's considered the best player on Team USA. Durant also has made the biggest move of the NBA offseason--signing with the Golden State Warriors--and he'll be joined by fellow teammates Draymond Green and Klay Thompson as they go for the gold.
Alex Morgan
With Abby Wambach gone, Alex Morgan is the clear leader of the U.S. women's national soccer team. Team USA could be the first squad to be the reigning World Cup and Olympic champions at the same time.
More photos: Team USA 2015 World Cup highlights
Mallory Pugh
Morgan's teammate Mallory Pugh is another name to watch on Team USA. Pugh--who turned 18 in April 2016--is a star in the making. She's delaying her freshman year at UCLA to play for the Olympic squad.
Serena Williams
After tying Steffi Graff for most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era, tennis great Serena Williams has her sights set on more. At 34, the four-time gold medalist may well decide that this is her final Olympics appearance.
More photos: Serena Williams
Vashti Cunningham
If Vashti Cunningham's name sounds familiar, that's because she's the daughter of former NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham. Vashti, 18, is looking to make a name for herself in the high jump, where she has a legitimate chance at winning gold.
Gabby Douglas
Back in 2012, Gabby Douglas was one of the United States' biggest stars of the Olympics. Four years later, the high-flying gymnast will try to win back-to-back gold medals.
Paul George
Paul George is returning to Team USA two years after a horrific leg injury that nearly cost him the entire 2015 season. Winning a gold medal would make the perfect comeback story for the Pacers' best player.
Allyson Felix
Allyson Felix's fourth Olympic Games has gotten off to a rough start failing to qualify for the 200-meter race, an event she won gold in at the 2012 Olympics, after suffering torn ligaments in her ankle. She missed out on being only the third American to qualify for the 200 and 400 by a mere .01 seconds.
Felix, 30, qualified for the 400-meters and the 4x400 relay. The three-time world champion and Olympic medalist has a shot to win her seventh Olympic medal.
Ashton Eaton
Ashton Eaton is, quite simply, one of the best athletic specimens in the Olympic games. Eaton, who holds the world record in the decathlon points, could become the first two-time decathlon gold medalist since Daley Thompson in 1992.
Justin Gatlin
Twelve years after Justin Gatlin won his lone gold medal, the 34-year-old sprinter will try to unseat Usain Bolt as the fastest man in the world.
Trayvon Bromell
Trayvon Bromell might just be the next great American sprinter. Only 21, Bromell finished third at the World Championships, with a 9.92-second, 100-meter sprint.
Missy Franklin
After an amazing run at the 2012 Olympics--that included four gold medals--swimmer Missy Franklin returns to the pool. Will the 21-year-old be able to replicate her success from London?
Diana Taurasi
The women's national basketball team goes to Rio with a 41-game Olympic win streak, and star Diana Taurasi will try to keep that undefeated mark alive.
Carmelo Anthony
In his fourth Olympic appearance, Carmelo Anthony has a chance to win his third gold medal for Team USA. Melo will be viewed as the veteran presence on the men's national basketball squad.
Katie Ledecky
Four years after winning her lone gold medal, Katie Ledecky might just be the best swimmer in Rio after a dominant 2015 campaign.
Jordan Burroughs
Jordan Burroughs--arguably the best freestyle wrestler in the world--will look to defend his 2012 gold medal in Rio this year.