2012 Olympics: Projecting Most Ground-Breaking Performances of This Year's Games

Patriotism runs high across the globe during every Olympiad, but the chance to witness legendary, record-setting and ground-breaking athletic feats is a integral facet of the game's true appeal. 

In 2008, we watched in awe as Michael Phelps had a Olympic campaign for the ages, winning eight gold medals in the pool. 

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt literally bolted into superstardom with his scorching assault on the record books in Beijing. 

With those two household names back for another chance to add more to their already stellar legacies, and a handful of other athletes looking to etch their names into the record books, we're in for many historic performance at the 2012 Olympics. 

Usain Bolt Breaks His Own World Record Time

A 21-year-old Usain Bolt burst onto the international scene at the 2008 Summer Olympics, when he scorched the track in Beijing and set the world record in the 100-meter dash—one of the game's most captivating events. 

The lanky Jamaican ran a blistering 9.69 to set the world and Olympic record four years ago, and has set the bar even higher by running the dash in 9.58 seconds in 2009 in Berlin. 

He was recently upstaged by fellow countryman Yohan Blake at Jamaica's Olympic trials, but it's likely that Bolt is saving himself for the biggest stage in sports. 

If everything goes as planned, the world's fastest man breaks his own record and clocks a time faster than the otherworldly 9.58 in front of the eyes of millions. 

Ryan Lochte Upsets Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is no longer the clear-cut favorite in the pool on the Olympic stage. United States teammate Ryan Lochte has closed the gap on the legendary swimmer and has a legitimate chance to beat Phelps in a few events at this year's games. 

While Lochte won't sweep Phelps every time each astounding swimmer jumps into the pool together, he'll get the best of Phelps on at least one occasion. 

Many understand that Phelps will not be on top forever, but Lochte defeating the swimming titan at the Olympics could vault him into international superstardom and even give him the title as "best swimmer on Earth." 

For as memorable as Phelps' historic 2008 campaign was, Lochte conquering him will be nearly as memorable. 

Michael Phelps Becomes All-Time Leader in Olympic Medals

This one's simple. 

American swimming icon Michael Phelps must medal in three of the seven races he's set to participate in to surpass Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina to become the most decorated Olympian in history. 

Though it won't be as easy as it was in the past, Phelps is still easily one of the best swimmers on the planet and will end what apparently will be his last Olympic games with more medals to his name than anyone else. 

Missy Franklin Bursts onto the Scene

The 17-year-old Missy Franklin is an upcoming swimming superstar. 

She's already a world-record holder, and she has a great chance to become the first female American athlete to win seven medals in one Olympiad. 

As a top contender in every race she's set to participate in—and as a member of the strong American relay team—Franklin wins seven medals and starts her Olympic career with a "bang."

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings Finish off Record Threepeat

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings are beach volleyball's two-time reigning Olympic champions. 

After capturing gold in 2004 in Athens and again in 2008 in Beijing, the dynamic American duo is on the verge of winning what would be a record-setting third consecutive gold in London. 

May-Treanor is 34 and Walsh-Jennings is now 33, so the two females are likely participating in their last Olympics. 

Although they won't be as dominant as they've been in the past, they emerge victorious and finish their Olympic careers on top as record holders.