2012 Olympics: Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt And Neymar Among Medal Hopefuls For London Summer Games

By Stephen Wilson, The Associated Press

LONDON — Wednesday marks 100 days until the London Olympics, a good time to look at some of the athletes who will be thrilling sports fans on the biggest of stages this summer.

As London organizers put the finishing touches on the venues, and city officials prepare for an invasion of visitors from around the world, competitors are training for the big moment.

From the track to the pool to the hardwood, what follows is a list of athletes to watch (mindful that some still need to qualify). There are 11 names in all, going for 10 golds:

All Captions Via AP

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Comments

[Kevin Jewell]

10:50 AM on 04/22/2012

Should have mentioned Gabby Douglas, USA gymnast.

[Gator1966]

10:44 AM on 04/22/2012

They should try a real sport like Full contact Chess

[RUSSHARDY]

10:31 AM on 04/22/2012

THE OLYMPICS ARE SUPPOSE TO BE ABOUT SENDING YOUR BEST TO COMPETE. I THINK EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO SEE THEIR COUNTRYMAN AND WOMEN COMPETE. THIS SHOULD BE BROADCAST FREE OF CHARGE AROUND THE WORLD. COME ON THESE ARE "GAMES" .LET US ALL ENJOY THEM.

[wildtill9]

10:28 AM on 04/22/2012

Why does the headline say "Forget about Michael Phelps" yet features him as one of the 10 featured athletes?

[RUSSHARDY]

10:25 AM on 04/22/2012

THEY DON'T REALLY SHOW ENOUGH. IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. AND JUST WHY DO THEY THINK THAT WOMENS SOFT BALL IS NOT A SPORT WORTHY OF OLYMPICS AND WOMEN BEACH VOLLEY BALL IS. GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO CARE ABOUT THE OLYMPICS. EUROPE HAS A LOT OF TRACK AND FIELD BUT THE UNITED STATES IS IN LOVE WITH GOLF A GAME THAT PUTS ONE TO SLEEP. HOW BORING.

[mrprogreso]

10:48 AM on 04/22/2012

golf is cool but I'll still give you prop's. is that word outdated?

[ewalter899]

10:59 AM on 04/22/2012

Maybe you should get off your couch and play some sports.

[RUSSHARDY]

04:25 PM on 04/22/2012

I STILL DO AND I HAVE MY WHOLE LIFE. I TRIED GOLF AND I FOUND IT TO BE BORING. I DO LIKE TO SWIM TO HIKE TO FISH AND MOTORCYCLE. MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN TO YELLOWSTONE TWICE . I AM 61 GOT ONE MORE YEAR TO GO BEFORE I RETIRE.MY WIFE AND I PLAN TO WALK THE TRAIL FROM GEORGIA TO MAINE. SHOULD BE FUN. GOT 1 NEW KNEE TO HAVE REPLACED FIRST .I GUESS I HAVE WORE IT OUT.

[SONNYSIDE]

10:17 AM on 04/22/2012

our real men are in afghan send a few of these wimps there and make men out of them most of them are cry babies,god bless our troops the real american men who protect us

[CANTHATBE]

01:30 PM on 04/22/2012

What are they protecting us from. They are fighting a ghost.

[bilhee]

08:19 AM on 04/22/2012

I used to really like the Olympics...I watched everything..but now primarily it's a bunch of professional athlete..so who cares????Bet the people in London do since they will be stuck with a $15 Billion dollar bill at the end

[tomgee111]

09:27 AM on 04/21/2012

Just can't quite accept beach volleyball as a serious event. Seems to be more about TV ratings with women in bikinis.

[wildtill9]

10:48 AM on 04/22/2012

And I am OK with that.

[alpabets]

05:40 PM on 04/20/2012

I realize this is not much on the radar in the US butSeveral Judo USA team members have a good shot at medals including Kayla Harrison in women's and Travis Stevens and Nick Delpoppolo in men's competition.

[LogicalMathMan]

10:52 AM on 04/19/2012

Neymar? Really? The player who plays in Brazil and not in Europe? Lover Pele and Brazil has been my favorite team for over 3 decades, but seriously, comparing him to Messi is a tad premature.

Yes, Usain losing would be more of a shocker than Phelps losing. Not much credence is given to European male swimmers who are away from the media glare and practicing without the Phelps fanfare.

[mrprogreso]

10:53 AM on 04/22/2012

i hate logic. it destroy's all my arguments.

[LogicalMathMan]

01:04 AM on 04/23/2012

lol...sorry...hope my 'fanning' you dissipates some of that tension.

[Roshi98]

07:52 AM on 04/19/2012

I'm looking forward to seeing if Neymar can finally prove himself on the world stage. 100 goals is impressive but let's get real, Brazilian soccer isn't what it used to be. Until the kid shows what he can do in meaningful competition he's merely a prospect. Pele's praise of the lad was overblown and insane.

[DevRock]

04:09 PM on 04/18/2012

I meant Kerry Walsh on the previous PAGE. Not pic. And I messed up her name. I was still drooling.

[LogicalMathMan]

10:48 AM on 04/19/2012

Slammin' bod, but, that 'outtie' does not look too appealing.

[DevRock]

11:11 AM on 04/19/2012

Yes, it's odd for sure. I wonder if that's post-baby?

[DevRock]

04:08 PM on 04/18/2012

That pic on the previous pic of Kerry Ann(?) , the tall volleyball player, is awesome. Her rear is beyond perfect.

[lmab]

02:11 PM on 04/18/2012

I am looking forward to the new rules, stating that volley ball women don't have to wear their bikinis.

[George Picard]

12:09 PM on 04/19/2012

It wont be on tv then, rating will fall right down to where they are for mens volleyball.
Unless ofcourse the women are smart and want to be on tv.

[lmab]

01:19 PM on 04/19/2012

Wrong! Ratings will go through the roof.....Attracting everyone except those of you who are man enough to admit you don't like looking at naked women.

[jubo]

01:40 PM on 04/18/2012

Right. Opening and closing ceremonies will surpass 80 million Euros. Public, of course...

Olympyrrhic Games.

[alpabets]

05:42 PM on 04/20/2012

I think it will be measured in Pounds Stirling this cycle...

[jubo]

05:51 PM on 04/20/2012

Indeed, my bad; from where I lament it was measured in Neuros, er, euros... certainly not heroes...