London 2012: American Heroes with Best Chance of Becoming Celebrities

American swimmer Michael Phelps knows how a heroic performance can translate in terms of national celebrity. 

After winning eight medals in the 2004 games, Phelps brought home an Olympic-record eight gold medals in 2008. It didn't take long for a national celebrity to be born, and we still see Phelps' face endorsing several country-wide products today.

In the 2012 Olympic Games, several American athletes will be given the chance to capture the same celebrity that Phelps took four years ago. 

In the following slides, we break down the six most capable of becoming the next Olympic celebrity. 

Alex Morgan, Women's Soccer

The 23-year-old Morgan burst onto the national scene last summer during the 2011 women's World Cup, but she was mostly used as a reserve during that tournament. 

In London, that won't be the case. Morgan will be a featured star for the favored Americans. 

Playing alongside established superstar Abby Wambach at striker in 2012, Morgan has scored 17 goals in 15 national appearances. Her breath-taking speed and sweet left foot have made her a versatile weapon up front.

If she keeps her sizzling scoring touch in London, and the U.S. wins Olympic gold, this striking beauty will be well-known among even the most casual American sports lovers. 

Ryan Lochte, Men's Swimming

Most have likely heard of Lochte, but only as second-fiddle to Michael Phelps. That may change in a hurry in London. 

Lochte has surpassed Phelps in many events, and he's primed to build on the six medals he won in the 2008 Games. 

While Phelps was the man of the summer four years ago, Lochte has the opportunity to be that star in 2012.

He can't win eight gold medals like Phelps, but expect Lochte to be the more golden swimmer in the pool for the Americans this summer.

Missy Franklin, Women's Swimming

What more do you need in an American story? 

Franklin, who just finished her junior year of high school, has qualified for a American women's record seven events at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Natalie Coughlin, one of the most decorated American swimmers of all time, holds the previous record with six. 

If Franklin can take home a handful of gold medals in London, the 17-year-old has the chance to put her name up there with Coughlin as one of this country's best ever woman swimmers. 

Allyson Felix, Women's Sprinting

Felix, 26, has been performing at a high level on the race track for some time. She's a two-time silver medal winner and three-time world champion in the 200-meter event. 

In London, she'll have the chance to establish herself as the United States' best woman sprinter. Felix ran the fastest 200-meter race of her life at Olympic qualifying in Eugene, Oregon earlier this summer. She retained her spot on the relay team that won gold in 2008 with a third place finish. 

With a gold in the 200 and relay, Felix will put her name back on the map. 

Jordyn Wieber, Women's Gymnastics

Four years ago, American gymnast Nastia Liukin took the 2008 Olympics by storm to win the gold medal in the individual all-around. 

In 2012, the Americans were counting on Wieber, a Michigan native, to take Liukin's spot. 

Nevertheless, this team is as deep as any since 1996, which provides the opportunity for the Americans to capture team gold for the first time in 16 years.

If Wieber can help this group to capture team gold, she'll put her name on the map as one of the best ever American gymnasts. 

Ryan Bailey, Men's Sprinting

Bailey (left) has a backstory that everyone will love, and will participate in an event that always captures the attention of the American public. 

The 23-year-old, once an admitted gang member who was eventually stabbed twice, is now competing in the 100-meter dash for the Americans this summer.

What's more, he's held his own against the United States' best in Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay. 

Whether or not he can beat Usain Bolt is a much different story, especially on the Olympic stage. However, his story will be more than enough for Americans to cheer him on in London.