Olympics 2012 Schedule: Athletes and Events You Won't Want to Miss

I love the Olympics. I love the gathering of top athletes representing their countries on the international stage. I love the unique events I don't often watch throughout the year.

Hell, I even love the Opening Ceremony.

So I had to compile a list of the events and athletes I was most excited about watching this year. I don't pretend to have a comprehensive list here—how could I?—but these are the sports and competitors I am most excited about watching this year.

From some truly epic rivalries to teams I can't wait to see in action, the 2012 London Games promises to be a spectacular show. For the full schedule of events including dates and times, be sure to check out NBCOlympics.com.

Track and Field: Usain Bolt vs. Yohan Blake

The two Jamaican sprinters are set to do battle in the always exciting 100- and 200-meter races at London. Bolt electrified at the 2008 Games, destroying the competition with relative ease, but Blake bested him in both events at the Jamaican Olympic Trials.

There's nothing quite like Olympic sprinting, and this rivalry between countrymen only makes these events all the more compelling.

The men's 100-meter dash will be contested on August 4-5, while the 200-meter dash will be contested on August 7-9.

Tennis

You can't tell me you won't be intrigued to watch the duel atop the rankings in the men's game play out in London. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have each won a Grand Slam this year (sadly, Rafael Nadal will not be participating in London), with Federer most recently winning Wimbledon at the All England Club.

Oh, and let's not forget about Andy Murray, carrying the same hopes for all of Great Britain that he did in the Wimbledon final.

On the women's side, the main question will be if Serena Williams can build on her Wimbledon championship. Of course, Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, Agnieszka Radwanska and Petra Kvitova will have something to say about that.

There is the added bonus that Federer and Williams—the most decorated male and female players—will each be going for their first individual gold. It's the one thing the players that have everything else haven't added to the mantle just yet.

Oh, and there is no Grand Slam better than Wimbledon, so getting to see Olympic tennis at the hallowed All England Club is a treat in itself. The fact that the competition will be so fierce only adds to the intrigue.

The tournaments will take place from July 28 through August 5.

Men's Basketball

There is always intrigue surrounding the U.S. men's basketball team, and with stars such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant on the team, that won't be any different this year.

No, they aren't as good as the 1992 edition. Yes, they should cruise to victory.

Of course, the Gasol brothers for Spain, Manu Ginobili for Argentina and Nicolas Batum for France will have something to say about that.

In the end, the U.S. team has far too much talent and depth and should win the tournament. Then again, we said that in 2004, too.

The tournament will take place from July 29 through August 12.

Gymnastics

The U.S. team is stacked on both the men's and women's side, but it is the ladies you'll want to pay especially close attention to in London. They are locked and loaded with talent this year and are fully capable of winning just the second team gold in U.S. history.

They are led by Jordyn Wieber, widely considered the favorite to take the gold in the all-around competition this year. Gabby Douglas is oozing with potential as well, fresh off her all-around win at the Olympic Trials.

If names like Shannon Miller, Kerri Strug and Dominique Dawes are coming to mind, they should—this year's version has the ability to replicate the success of the 1996 Magnificent Seven.

Gymnastics will start on July 28 for the men and July 29 for the women, running through August 7 for both.

Swimming: Michael Phelps vs. Ryan Lochte

It is the most compelling rivalry at the the London Games. The top U.S. swimmers will do battle in the 200- and 400-meter individual medleys, making each race a must-watch.

Swimming in general is always a fun watch, but these two races are not only the highlights of the pool, they are also two of the most anticipated contests of the entire Games.

The men's 400-meter individual medley will be contested on July 28, while the men's 200-meter individual medley will run August 1-2.

Soccer

On the women's side, the U.S. women—led by Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan—should be the favorites, though defending World Cup champs Japan and a talented Brazilian squad won't simply lie down.

On the men's side, it's more of a toss-up. There is Brazil, led by the game's next great superstar, Neymar, and the motivation that comes from never winning Olympic gold. That's right, Brazil has shockingly never won gold, which might end this year with a star-studded side that includes Hulk, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Alexandre Pato, Lucas Moura and Paulo Henrique Ganso.

There is Spain, who pretty much wins everything these days. Yes, this will be the Under-23 side, but they still boast Juan Mata, Jordi Alba, Javi Martínez, Oriol Romeu and David De Gea. Talk about a spoil of riches.

Great Britain and Ryan Giggs will be a tough out playing in England, while Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani headline a dangerous Uruguayan squad. And don't forget about Mexico, either.

Olympic soccer—especially on the men's side—doesn't hold the same panache as the World Cup. But this tournament should still be a pleasure to watch.

The women will play from July 25 to August 9, while the men will begin on July 26 and close the tournament on August 11.

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