2012 Summer Olympics: Superstar Athletes Who Will Steal London Spotlight

London will be the epicenter of the sporting world in just two short months. The 2012 Summer Olympics will consume everyone's attention, and this year's crop of athletes is as strong as it has been in a long time, with more mainstream appeal than a duel concert with Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. 

There are a few stars who stand out above the rest of the pack. We are not tuning into the Olympics for the sole purpose of seeing some of the quirky sports, but because we are fascinated to see these athletes we have become so invested in over the last four years. 

Performing under the bright lights of the Olympics can take its toll on an athlete. Some have already proven to be up to the task, while others are looking to make a name for themselves. 

Here are the superstars who will steal all of the spotlight at the Summer Olympics. 

Michael Phelps (Swimming)

Not sure if you remember this guy, but he was kind of a big deal four years ago when he won an Olympic-record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games. 

With the single-Olympic gold medal record already under his belt, Phelps is going to be focused on setting the career mark in London. He has won 16 medals over the last two Summer Olympics, putting him just two behind Larisa Latynina's mark of 18. 

Considering that Phelps has said this will be the last time he compete in the Olympics, all eyes will be on him, win, lose or draw. Given his history, the "lose or draw" don't seem to be much of a factor. 

Usain Bolt (Track & Field)

Bolt was arguably the biggest star to come out of the Beijing Olympics, even more than Michael Phelps. Where Phelps was obviously going all-out in every event that he was in, Bolt seemed to be toying with his opponents at times.

Think about that for a second: In an Olympic event, with the best athletes from all over the world running in these events, Bolt was so great that he didn't even have to run 100 percent in order to win a gold medal. 

Even if he is on the track for 10 seconds, which is doubtful considering how fast he is, it will be the most fascinating 10 seconds of the year. 

LeBron James (Basketball)

Despite what you hear about James as a "closer" in the NBA, he is the best basketball player on the planet. No one can match his unique combination of skills on the court—he is Magic Johnson for this generation. 

While winning an NBA championship is going to determine his ultimate legacy in this country, winning another gold medal will be the ultimate feather in his cap. He performed admirably in 2008, but he is an infinitely better player and teammate now than he was four years ago. 

On a team loaded with talent, James is going to be the key to a Team USA victory. Fortunately, he is more than capable of handling the task. 

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