US Olympic Trials 2012: Swimming Stars Who Will Break out in London

The United States Olympic trials have begun for both men and women, and there are many young guns out there that are hoping to take home some hardware in London.

Let's take a look at some of the athletes who will break out in England.

Rachel Bootsma (100-meter backstroke)

The story of the 100-meter backstroke was definitely the emergence of Rachel Bootsma. Her second-place finish will send her to her first Olympic Games in London, and she will definitely be looking to make a name for herself.

I should probably mention that she is only 18 years old. Her time in the trials was better than the likes of Natalie Coughlin and Bonnie Brandon—two of Americas best. Bootsma holds the high school national record in the backstroke and wasn't rattled at her first Olympic Trials.

To say that she is a favorite for a medal would be an egregious stretch of the truth, but don't be surprised if Bootsma turns some heads during the competition. She could very well be the future of women's swimming.

Rebecca Soni (200-meter breaststroke)

Even though Soni won a gold medal four years ago, she has yet to really break out as a star in the pool. This will be the year will she does. She finished in second place at the trials in the 100-meter breaststroke and will be competing in that as well over in London.

She finished the 200-meter breaststroke with a time of 2:21.13, which was the fastest time this year, and she holds the world record in the event. There is a real possibility that Soni can medal in both competitions and finally solidify her place as one of the world's best swimmers.

Missy Franklin (7 different events)

Another young gun on the American roster, Missy Franklin may compete in seven different events. She is 17 years old.

Let me repeat that: "Missy the Missile" may compete in more races than any other American female in history at the age of 17. She will also enter as America's top-seeded swimmer.

If she qualifies for the 200-meter backstroke, she will have qualified for the 100 and 200 backstrokes, the 100 and 200 freestyles and all three relays.

No American woman has ever swam in more than six competitions. Natalie Coughlin and Katie Hoff did four years ago, and Shirley Babashoff swam in six events in 1976.

Franklin is the future of American swimming, and she will be looking to bring home some hardware in her first Olympic Games.

Scott Weltz (200-meter breaststroke)

Brendan Hansen and Eric Shanteau were arguably the favorites for the 200-meter breaststroke final, but Scott Weltz came out of nowhere to win the event and put himself on the roster for London.

Both Hansen and Shanteau failed to qualify and let the door open for Weltz.

Although he is very unproven, it isn't hard to imagine Weltz being one of the larger surprises of the games. He also qualified for the 100-meter breaststroke by finishing in third place, and he will be looking to make a name for himself this year.