Olympic Trials 2012: Analyzing Lolo Jones and Top USA Stars

The Olympics are coming up fast, and the trials are underway. That also means top USA stars such as Lolo Jones are on the forefront of their respective sports right now.

Jones, who competed in Beijing during the 2008 Olympics, needs a better finish this time around so waiting for that next opportunity doesn't add pressure. And Jones isn't alone in being among the best USA stars during the trials.

So, let's check out some familiar names across the Olympic trial landscape.

Michael Phelps, Swimming

Easily one of the best American Olympians of all time, Michael Phelps has nearly perfected his ability as a swimmer on the most elite of levels.

That being said, Phelps can only enhance his legacy as an athlete with a strong performance at the trials and 2012 Olympics. On a more relieving note, Phelps has nothing left to prove in his sport as he's accomplished virtually everything in swimming.

Considering that he'll be 27 years old before the Olympics, this summer may be Phelps' last chance to win multiple gold medals. Therefore, expect him to put even more effort into dominating 2012, because time is of the essence.

Tyson Gay, Sprints

One of the few sprinters in the world who can match up well next to Jamaica's Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay ran 9.79 seconds in the 100-meter dash in 2011, the third-best time of that year.

Elsewhere, Gay has a personal best of 19.41 seconds on the 200-meter straight-line sprint, which is also the world record. For the traditional 200-meter, Gay isn't as strong of a sprinter like the 100-meter, so watch for him to improve that during the trials.

If Gay can get out of the blocks and run the turn more smoothly, we'll see him dominate the trials and be the top challenger to Bolt in the Olympics. With his straight-line acceleration and top speed, the 200-meter could potentially be his best race this summer.

Lolo Jones, Hurdles

After winning the 2008 Olympic trials, American hurdler Lolo Jones took an unfortunate fall in Beijing and finished in seventh place.

Fortunately, Jones has returned to the Olympics after earning third place in the 100-meter hurdles at the trials on Saturday. For any athlete, all that matters is another opportunity, and this hold especially true for Olympians since the games are held just once every four years.

As for Jones, the memory of 2008 can be avenged with a strong performance in 2012. Jones is also going to be 30 years old later this summer, so much like Phelps, capitalizing now is more important than ever.

John Rozum on Twitter.