Summer Olympics 2012: USA's Toughest Events in London

When it comes to sports, Americans might be the most arrogant people in the entire world. We believe our athletes are simply better than everyone else's, and that when we don't win an Olympic gold medal in an event, it is because of something we didn't do instead of what they did do. 

This is a trait that has been burned into our brains after years of seeing the likes of the Dream Team steamroll everyone in its wake in 1992, Jackie Joyner-Kersee dominate in the heptathlon in 1988, or Michael Phelps in everything four years ago. 

For better or worse, Americans expect and demand dominance at the Olympics. Unfortunately there are certain events at the London Games where our nation is in trouble. 

It is not our fault; there are just great athletes and teams all over the world who have worked just as hard for this moment and nothing will stand in their way. 

Here is a look at the toughest events for the Americans at the 2012 London Olympics.

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Men's 100 Meter

U.S. Participants

Ryan Bailey, Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay

The trio of Bailey, Gatlin and Gay would normally be good enough to produce one gold medal. As we all know, Usain Bolt's presence basically leaves everyone battling for a silver medal. 

And when there are only two slots left to medal in, it becomes that much harder to declare anyone a serious threat in the event. Gay was thought to be America's best chance at Beijing four years ago, but an injury took him out of the mix. 

Gatlin is still trying to get back in the swing of things after serving a four-year suspension after a failed drug test. 

Bailey had an impressive showing at the U.S. Olympic Trials, but he is clearly the third best of all three American runners. 

I can see a medal from one of these three, though it is hard to imagine a gold coming back to America in the 100 meters. 

Men's Heavyweight Boxing

U.S. Participant

Michael Hunter II

There was a time, long ago, when the United States was THE place to go for heavyweight boxing. Now, just looking at the division, it is a wasteland of American talent. We have fallen so far behind everyone else to the point it is scary. 

Hunter will have the unenviable task of trying to break the 24-year streak of non-gold medal winners for the United States in the heavyweight boxing competition. He is doing all that he can to convince the world that he is a great threat. 

When Ray Mercer was winning the gold medal for the U.S. at the 1988 Olympics, Hunter was just about two months old. He has yet to see an American heavyweight capture gold, at least one that he would recall. 

He is a budding star in the sport, but I am skeptical about him being able to get through to the finals and win a medal. 

Men's Tennis Singles

U.S. Participants

John Isner, Andy Roddick, Ryan Harrison, Donald Young

Nothing against John Isner, who is a really good tennis player and could put together a good run in London, but he has to carry the burden for the American team in these Olympics. 

Andy Roddick is what he is: A player with a big serve and no real substantial game to back it up. Harrison and Young are solid tennis players, though no one considers them a threat in this kind of format. 

It doesn't help that the Americans have to deal with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic along the way, presumably. 

Women's Swimming 100 Meter Butterfly

U.S. Participants

Claire Donahue, Dana Vollmer

The women's side of the swimming team is going to fly under the radar at London this summer because of what Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte are expected to do, but they do deserve their time in the spotlight. 

Sadly, the two participants representing the U.S. in the Women's 100 meter butterfly--Claire Donahue and Dana Vollmer--are going to struggle to keep up with the Joneses. 

Reigning gold medal winner Jessicah Schipper will undoubtedly enter the race as the favorite to win, as she should. Following her would be Lu Ying and Ellen Gandy. 

Neither American woman is at a prohibitive disadvantage in this event, though I just think that they are not favorites in this event. 

Women's 4x100 Meter Relay

U.S. Participants

Allyson Felix, Carmelita Jeter, Bianca Knight, Tianna Madison

The biggest story with the U.S. Women's 4x100 meter team might be Felix's journey to the London Olympics, but with that behind her we know that she is here to win a gold medal. 

Oddsmakers love the United States in this event, as they are an 8/11 favorite over the Jamaican team, according to The Spread. That is quite a jump for the team, as the U.S. has not won a medal in this event since 2000, when they won the bronze. 

I do think this is the best team we have sent to an Olympics in 2000, though I don't see it being that much better than the Jamaicans or even the French squad. 

Of the events listed on here, I think this is the best American team and best chance for a medal. I just want to see how the team meshes against Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and France on this stage.