London 2012 Olympics: 7 Events You Won't Want to Miss

As the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Olympic Games in London draws nearer, athletes around the world are preparing for the ultimate test of their ability.

With an estimated 10,500 athletes participating in 302 events between July 27 and August 12, the Olympics by itself is a can't-miss event that will be watched by millions of people around the world.

The 2012 London Olympics will have its fair share of headlines to watch—from Michael Phelps' follow-up to his record eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympics to Saudi Arabia allowing its women to compete in the Olympics for the first time ever (from the Huffington Post).

Here we take a look at seven events that you won't want to miss when watching the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

Men's Swimming

While men's swimming in the 2008 Beijing Olympics was dominated by Michael Phelps' quest for a record eight gold medals, the 2012 version will focus on his newfound rivalry with fellow American Ryan Lochte.

Lochte has been working tirelessly to try and overcome Phelps in what will surely be the legend's last Olympic Games.

While Lochte was able to defeat Phelps in both the 200-meter freestyle and the 200-meter individual medley last summer at the 2011 FINA World Championships, Phelps should still be considered the favorite going into the London Games.

While we won't see another performance of eight gold medals from Michael Phelps in 2012, his battle with his USA teammate will be something to watch in London.

Women's Hurdles

Lolo Jones has become perhaps the biggest celebrity heading into the 2012 London Olympics, and it hasn't all necessarily been because of her athletic ability.

Jones finished third in the 100-meter hurdles final at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials to secure her spot in the Olympics, and now all of the cameras will be looking for her.

Not to mention all of the sponsors looking to endorse the 29-year-old beauty.

Jones has made headlines because of her determination to remain a virgin and find a boyfriend at the same time.

She even said in an interview with HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel that it is "harder than training for the Olympics" (via the Huffington Post).

You can bet that Jones will be one of the most followed athletes in London, including one of the most followed athletes on Twitter.

Lolo Jones is slowly but surely becoming one of the biggest celebrities for the United States Olympic team and you won't want to miss her when the 2012 London Games arrive.

Men's 100m

There is nothing like watching the fastest man on earth do his thing, and you will want to tune in to see Usain Bolt when he runs the 100-meter sprint in London.

The Jamaican superstar set the world record at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and then beat it again with a time of 9.58 seconds in 2009.

Bolt will be challenged by American runners Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay, who finished first and second at the U.S. track and field trials in Oregon on Sunday.

Gatlin was the 2004 Olympic gold medalist in the 100-meter, but was unable to defend his title in 2008 due to serving a four-year doping ban after testing positive for banned substances twice (from the New York Times).

The men's 100-meter finals will take place on Day 10 of the 2012 London Olympics and you won't want to miss the world's fastest man—Usain Bolt—try to continue his dominance.

Women's Gymnastics

While the dynamic duo of Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin won't be able to recapture the magic from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the U.S. gymnastics team will still be one to watch in 2012.

Johnson was forced to retire due to a left knee injury, and while Liukin is attempting to make a comeback in time for the London Games, she is off to a shaky start so far (according to the Washington Post).

Nonetheless, a new group of gymnasts give the United States a great chance to win gold in London, led by Jordyn Wieber and Gabby Douglas.

Wieber won the all-around at the 2011 World Championships and the 16-year old Douglas is a confident, well-rounded superstar in the making.

While Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin may not be in the spotlight anymore, the U.S. women's gymnastics team will still be an exciting group to watch at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Men's Tennis

While Wimbeldon is currently the focus for tennis fans, you can bet that the 2012 Olympics will soon be on the minds of many of the top players in the world.

The way the odds are shaping out, it looks like the battle for the gold medal will ultimately come down to the two best players in the world: Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

The Serbian Djokovic claimed the bronze medal in 2008 at Beijing, but you can bet that anything short of the gold for him will be a disappointment in 2012.

As the current top player in the world, Djokovic will be looking to follow up a potential second consecutive Wimbeldon title with his first-ever gold medal.

The Spaniard Nadal won the coveted gold medal in 2008, defeating Chilean Fernando Gonzalez 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.

Nadal was also able to take down Djokovic at the 2012 French Open, continuing his dominance on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will be looking to continue their fierce rivalry as they battle for the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. 

Women's Soccer

The United States women's soccer team has won the gold medal at each of the last two Olympic Games, and they will be looking to repeat as champions again in 2012.

Led by forwards Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach and goalie Hope Solo, the American women will be looking to avenge their loss at last year's World Cup by taking home another gold.

Brazil and Japan are the two most likely teams to take down the Americans, and you can be sure that a World Cup final rematch with the Japanese is exactly what the U.S. women are looking for.

While the men's soccer team was unable to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics, the women's team will be the ones to watch as they go for their third consecutive gold this summer.

Men's Basketball

While the Miami Heat dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder on their way to an NBA title, LeBron James and Kevin Durant will be back on the same court soon at the 2012 London Olympics.

Only this time, they will be playing on the same team.

The superstar-laden USA team should include other finals participants like Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook and Chris Bosh, according to the team's website.

James and Durant will also be joined by other NBA studs like Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant and, of course, the high-flying Blake Griffin to form 2012's version of the Dream Team.

There is no doubting that the 2012 U.S. men's basketball team will be one of the most talented groups to ever play on a basketball court. You won't want to miss their quest for the gold in London.