US Olympic Trials 2012: 5 Athletes You're Sure to See in London

With the U.S. Olympic Trials set to begin at the end of June, many athletes will be finding out whether they have what it takes to compete in London.

For track, swimming and gymnastics, the U.S. Olympic team rosters will be determined by early July. 

A mixture of veteran Olympic athletes combined with new up-and-coming athletes is going to bring an intriguing curiosity to the trials.

Who will return to the U.S. team?

Which athlete will lose his or her spot on the team?

Which new young competitor will make a splash across the pond?

Phelps Returns

He’s back for a final go-round.

Since making history in Beijing, Michael Phelps had a bit of a hangover from the Olympics.

From the infamous picture taken of Phelps smoking from a bong to breaking four world records at the 2009 World Championships, the years following 2008 were up and down to say the least.

But with the announcement of his retirement after 2012, there is no way that Phelps misses London.

He’ll be back, searching for more gold.

Gay Flies Under the Radar

Going into the 2008 Olympics Tyson Gay was believed to be one of the few sprinters that could match rising superstar Usain Bolt, but hamstring injury sidelined Gay from doing anything special in Beijing.

Four years later, the sprinter has been quietly training behind the shadow cast by Bolt.

After struggling through injuries in 2011, Gay has remained relatively silent in 2012, only competing at the Adidas Grand Prix.

Expect to see Gay back in the 100-meter dash, ready to run for the gold.

Lomong Distances Himself

When he was a child, Lopez Lomong was one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan.”

The distance runner's story is one of a true underdog.

He came from Kimotong, Sudan, in 2001 at the age of 16, and in 2007, Lomong became a citizen of the United States.

By 2008, he was an Olympic athlete, competing for the U.S. in Beijing only a year after becoming a citizen.

He was chosen to carry the U.S. flag at the opening ceremonies in Beijing, and was a symbol of resilience for the U.S.

Lomong has become one of the top distance runners in the country, and his personal best of three minutes, 32.20 seconds in the 1,500-meter run is only six seconds off the world record.

After reaching the semifinals in Beijing four years ago, a determined Lomong will return to Olympic competition.

Tyler Clary Joins Swimming Squad

At the age of 23, Tyler Clary isn’t exactly the youngest competitor, but he’s certainly up and coming.

Competing in the butterfly, backstroke and medley events, Clary was an 11-time All-American swimmer, and the 2009 NCAA Swimmer of the Year at Michigan University.

In the 2011 World Aquatics Championships, Clary earned two medals in three events.

A teammate of Michael Phelps at Michigan, Clary will return to be on Phelps’ team again, only this time in London.

Kyla Ross Lands a Spot

Kyla Ross is not your typical 15-year-old girl.

While most teenagers are thinking about going to the beach this summer, this gymnast is focused on going one place: London.

Ross has competed in the Junior Pan American Games, the U.S. Junior National Championship and the Pacific Rim Championships Junior Division. She won medals at each competition.

The all-around competitor has a shot to make the U.S. National Team in her first try on the senior level.

Ross is a serious competitor and is ready to take the next step.

Expect to see this gymnast in London this summer.