London Olympics 2012: American Athletes Who Will Put Their Obscure Sports on Map

A handful of American athletes will transcend the popularity of their relatively unknown events.

Most Summer Olympic sports could be deemed "obscure," but that doesn't mean the athletes involved are worthy of the same reputation. Elite athletes can endear fans through their dominant performances or a heartwarming story involving their journey to Olympic land.

Let's take a look at three athletes who will force you to watch things you never envisioned yourself watching.

Ashton Eaton

Eaton is the world's best decathlon athlete. He broke Roman Sebrle's world record of 9,026 points with his 9,039-point performance at the US Olympic Trials. 

I'm sure a ton of people have heard of the decathlon, but who really watches the two-day event? No one has captured America's attention since Bruce Jenner in 1976 and Dan O'Brien in 1991. 

Eaton will change all of that. He doesn't stand out in one event, but he's the best all-around athlete in this year's Olympic Games. Yeah, I said it. If he were to focus on one specific event there's no doubt that he would be a contender. 

Adding to Eaton's storyline is his engagement to heptathlon contender Briane Theisen. She isn't a world-record holder like Eaton, but the two former Ducks are one heck of a marketing duo.

Eaton's name will be mentioned as much, if not more than, any American athlete in this year's games. By the end of the summer you will know the decathlon's 10 events by heart.

Ariel Hsing

Hsing is Team USA's best chance at a table-tennis medal, or "ping pong" as most people affectionately call it.

I used to think I was a decent table-tennis player, but then I watched Hsing play. When I learned that she was 16 years old I decided that my Olympic table-tennis dreams are all but dead. 

It's amazing whenever a 16-year-old athlete does something few adults can do. Her hand-eye coordination is off the charts. Table tennis isn't easy, but she makes it look easy at times.

Table tennis probably isn't at the top of most people's "must-watch" lists, but Hsing should change your tune. She's an amazingly talented player and her appeal only increases when you realize she's a 16-year-old prodigy.

Steven Lopez

Taekwando isn't for the faint of heart, but Lopez makes it look easy. He's the first Taekwando to win five World Championships according to NBCPhiladelphia.com (slide 24).

I mentioned heartwarming stories earlier and Lopez has one. In NBC Philadelphia's report they mention that Lopez learned the sport in his garage. They also mention that his three siblings were also Olympic athletes, playing on the same team in 2008.

That's all good stuff. The Olympics aren't just about the sports. The international event is also about the story within the sport.

Lopez headlines the Taekwando event on the American side. It's not the Olympics most popular event, but he's an incredibly skilled competitor.

Broaden your horizons. Watch these three athletes do what they do best, even if you've never watched the sport before. You won't be disappointed.