2012 London Olympics: 5 Under-the-Radar Swimmers Sure to Shine

Swimming at the 2012 London Olympics will feature all the stars that we know and love—Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and the ever-impressive Missy Franklin—but that doesn't mean that a new star won't be born at the Games.

In fact, several new stars could be born, as swimmers from around the globe try to etch their name into Olympic history and establish themselves as genuine contenders.

Here are five under-the-radar swimmers sure to shine at the London Olympics—and don't say I didn't tell you!

Felipe Silva, Brazil

Brazilian Felipe Franca Silva enters the London Olympics with a rich history in the men's breaststroke, but not as one of the real favorites to compete in the event.

Silva has been outstayed by Felipe Lima so far in 2012, with the latter setting the fastest time in the 50-meter breaststroke this year.

Silva, on the other hand, has the fifth-fastest time in the 50 and the third-fastest time in the 100-meter breast.

As the first swimmer to break the 27-second barrier in the 50, Silva no doubt has the ability to shine on the international stage and beat his countryman for gold in both breaststroke events.

Francesca Halsall, United Kingdom

Ranomi Kromowidjojo enters the 2012 London Olympics as the fastest woman in the pool—setting the fastest times in both the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle events so far this year.

And if you're looking for someone to beat her, Francesca Halsall is the woman you want.

The 21-year-old is sitting second behind the Dutch swimmer in the 50 and third behind her in the 100, and I think she could take the favorite over two laps.

She has a fast personal best and the proven experience to compete on an international stage despite being so young—plus the home crowd behind her.

James Roberts, Australia

Australian swimmer James Roberts impressed greatly at the Australian Olympic Trials earlier in the year and, despite losing out to James Magnussen, is a genuine threat at the upcoming Games.

Roberts has only been swimming professionally for one year, but he already has the second-fastest time this year for the men's 100-meter freestyle and could well topple the highly favored Magnussen in the event.

Breeja Larson, United States of America

Breeja Larson isn't expected to win gold at the London Olympics.

Having said that, she wasn't expected to upstage Jessica Hardy and Rebecca Soni at the United States Olympic Trials either, but that didn't seem to stop the youngster.

Larson is proven on the college circuit, but given her inexperience, she could turn out to be a flop at the London Olympics—leaving many to dismiss her chances at success.

Her victory over last year's champion in Soni and a world-record holder in Hardy must have done a world of good for her confidence, and that confidence might just see her snatch a gold medal.

Emily Seebohm, Australia

If you're looking for an upset result, look no further than Australian Emily Seebohm to take down American sensation Missy Franklin in the women's 100-meter backstroke.

Franklin has the fastest time in the world so far in the event, but Seebohm has a real chance at stopping the American.

The Australian has one of the fastest 50-meter times of the year—proving that she has the speed to match Franklin—and given her history on the international stage, could have too much experience for the American youngster.

Seebohm, 20, has been on the international circuit after winning the 100-meter backstroke at the Australian Swimming Championships at the age of just 14. She is the current Australian record holder for the event. 

She beat American ace Natalie Coughlin at the 2010 Pan Championships over 100 meters, and there's no reason to suggest she can't do the same to Franklin at the London Olympics.

Any under-the-radar swimmers that you think we should be tracking?

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