London Olympics 2012: US Stars Who Are Shining on the Biggest Stage

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The Americans have had quite an impressive showing during the 30th Olympic Games. 

As of now, they are second in the medal count, and the U.S. dominated the swimming portion of these Games.

They have also had success in the gymnastics competitions that have happened thus far, and the Americans look to add more medals during the last week.

Here are the biggest U.S. stars in the London Olympics.

Michael Phelps

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A disappointing fourth-place finish was not how Michael Phelps envisioned the start of his 2012 Olympic Games.

Phelps kicked it into high gear, then finished out his London stay en route to becoming the most decorated Olympian in history. He left the 30th Olympic Games with four gold and two silver, making his final total 22 medals.

"The Baltimore Bullet" also finished his storied career on a high note by helping the Americans to gold in the 4x100-meter medley relay.

Phelps has said that he will retire, and his Olympic career will end with an astonishing count of two bronze, two silver and 18 gold medals.

Alex Morgan

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Alex Morgan scored the decisive goal in tonight's soccer semifinal win over Canada, and she is on the way to becoming one the biggest stars in the sport.

Morgan scored in the opening game against France, but she had been shut out since. She picked quite a time to break out of her slump.

The goal propelled the U.S. women to the gold-medal game against Japan, where the Americans will be out for revenge. Japan upset the American women in a penalty kick shootout in last year's World Cup final.

Morgan is likely coming back to the states as one of the faces of American soccer.

Kevin Durant

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Kevin Durant is already one of the most recognizable stars in the NBA. While he is in London, Durant is working on becoming one of the biggest stars on the planet.

His resume includes tonight's performance against Argentina, in which the former Texas Longhorn scored a game-high 28 points, including 17 in the third quarter.

Durant hit five consecutive three-pointers in a frantic third frame, while the Americans took a slim lead and began to rout the Argentinians. 

LeBron James, Chris Paul and others are playing remarkably well right now, but Durant has to be the U.S. MVP in these London Games.

The Entire U.S. Swim Team

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The accomplishments of Michael Phelps have already been discussed, but the entire U.S. swim team has been on quite a tear during these games in London.

Missy Franklin may be the brightest star of of the bunch, and the Colorado native had an amazing start to her Olympic career.

Franklin has won four gold medals during the past few weeks, and the 17-year-old is looking to collect a lot more hardware in her future.

Also accompanying Franklin are female stars like Natalie Coughlin, Dana Vollmer, Rebecca Soni and Allison Schmitt.

There is a ton of talent on the men's side, too. Ryan Lochte, Matt Grevers and Nathan Adrian all had impressive showings in London.

It's safe to say that the American swim team is in capable hands and has a remarkably bright future.

The Fab Five

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The silver-medal-winning women of the 2008 Beijing Games became America's sweethearts after a heartbreaking loss to the Chinese team in the all-around competition.

The 2012 team had some big shoes to fill, and they delivered on their hype.

A dominating win in the team all-around competition started the festivities, and the girls still can pull in some major hardware. 

Gabby Douglas won the individual all-around gold, and Aly Raisman tied for third.

Jordyn Wieber and the team still have some work to do in the individual portions, and they can get more medals in the floor exercise and the balance beam.