2012 Summer Olympics: 7 Reasons Focus Will Be on Brianne Theisen, Jessica Ennis

Watching elite athletes compete in seven grueling events isn't the only reason to watch this year's heptathlon in the 2012 Summer Olympics. This year two competitors, Brianne Theisen and Jessica Ennis, will captivate spectator's attention.

Both women have enjoyed their own successes throughout their athletic careers. These accomplishments, among other things, make them two of this year's most compelling Olympic athletes.

Regular sports fans don't normally equate the heptathlon with any sort of excitement or anticipation, but they will this year. 

Let's break down seven reasons all eyes will be on Theisen and Ennis in London this year.

Brianne Theisen's Beau

Brianne Theisen's fiance, Ashton Eaton, broke the decathlon world record on June 23. He's one of this year's most exciting Olympic athletes, and he increases Theisen's popularity.

Eyes were going to be on Theisen anyway, but her relationship to Eaton makes it more apparent. There isn't a hotter name in the Olympics right now, and she has a chance to make them a "power" couple.

Eaton's performance is expected in London. Theisen doesn't carry the same massive expectations, but she isn't a slouch. 

Famous couples always find the limelight. Theisen's relationship with Eaton will put the spotlight directly on her in this year's Olympic games.

Decorated College Career

Theisen's esteemed college resume started immediately. As a freshman at Oregon, she was a runner-up in the Pac-10 Championships and fourth in the NCAA Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships. She instantly became one of college track's premier athletes.

She steadily improved through her sophomore season and eventually won a pentathlon title in the 2010 NCAA Indoor Championships. 

Last year, she won the NCAA Indoor Championships' pentathlon and broke the all-time collegiate record in the five events. 

She is one of the best athletes in college track in recent years. She dominated early in her career, and she never looked back.

Doing this at a school with a notoriously-rabid fanbase just adds to it. She knows how to perform on the major stage. 

She will have to if she wants to win in London.

Marketability

It's safe to say Theisen is searched for on Google images, probably more than most athletes. There's no other way to put it. Physical appearance makes anyone marketable, but it can propel an athlete to new heights. 

She appeals to a certain demographic because of her world-class ability. She appeals to others because they like to watch her perform. 

No matter how you cut it, Theisen receives attention wherever she goes. Olympic athletes don't always snag the spotlight. She has the talent to stick around the top of the leaderboard, and she's easy on the eyes. 

US Representation

The United States' Hyleas Fountain is one of London's top heptathlon entrants. Her reputation will add to the hype surrounding American representatives in this event.

Theisen will benefit from that. Fountain is seven-years older than her, but that may actually be favorable. It's the whole "out with the old, in with the new" scenario. We see it in every major sport in some capacity.

I wouldn't call say that Theisen is going to ride Fountain's coattails, but her presence certainly helps. She's more accomplished than Theisen at this point in her career, and people will be waiting to see the proverbial torch passed.

Jessica Ennis' Recent Success

Jessica Ennis is the reigning world champion. She took gold in the 2011 World Championships, and that gives her the obvious spotlight heading into this year's Olympics. 

Her strong suits are the long, and high, jumps. She's also a very good 800-meter runner. Her major advantage in these events gives her a major leg-up in the remaining four contests.

Obviously the most recent champion of any sport is going to receive the majority of the attention. Ennis is no different, and that will be obvious immediately. 

Hyleas Fountain may be the best competitor this year, but Ennis has recent history on her side.

Home Turf

This reason is extremely simple. Ennis is British, and the Summer OIympics are held in London. 

She will have the "home-court" advantage in this year's Olympic games. Expect her to receive an outpouring of support from the crowd and for her to ride that to success.

All of Britain's athletes will have an advantage this summer, but Ennis is extremely talented to go with it. She has competed on a world stage, with success, and she will benefit from the added support. 

The fans in the Olympic stands will keep an eye on every athlete but, when things come down to it, there focus will switch to the girl flying their flag.

Past Controversies

Earlier this year, it was reported that an official made claims about Ennis' weight. As you can guess, that was not greeted kindly. 

Ennis' long-time coach, Toni Minichiello, jumped to her aid in the media and made sure the official was aware of what he said. 

Controversy is a breeding ground for attention. This just happened in May. Wounds are still fresh and people still vividly remember this incident's occurrence. The official's comments will only add to the pre-Olympic buzz surrounding this world-class athlete. 

On a side note, look at the picture. Was the official serious?