2012 Olympics: 5 Stars Who Will Become Household Names After London Games

Being an Olympic athlete is the chance of a lifetime. For these men and women, winning gold is not only the fulfillment of childhood dreams and the payoff to hours of dedication, it is also their one opportunity to make their mark in history. 

Names like Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps are known worldwide, but every four years new stars rise to the challenge.

In the London 2012 Olympic Games, these five up-and-coming athletes could be the next household names. 

Jessica Hardy, Swimming

Long Beach native Jessica Hardy features that classic girl-next-door look, as well as the athletic ability to make a huge splash in the pool. 

Holder of three world records and the hearts of young boys across America, she may have just what it takes to make it on the Wheaties box. 

Yohan Blake, Track and Field

Newcomer Yohan Blake may be competing in his first Olympics this summer, but he is already expected to surpass his fellow teammate Usain Bolt. 

If there is any man on earth who can beat Usain Bolt in London, it is probably Yohan Blake—and that's a prediction you can take to the bank. 

London 2012 could be the year when this young gun starts making a blast on the international scene. 

Viktoria Komova, Gymnastics

Viktoria Komova is like any other 17-year-old girl—her favorite food is pizza, and she is a huge Twilight fan. However, unlike most girls her age, the Russian sensation is also favored to win individual gold for the Russian national gymnastics team. 

Always humble despite her already illustrious career, the international star claims her favorite memory is when she got her puppy, Kutya. 

Missy Franklin, Swimming

Drawing praise from athletes like Michael Phelps, who reportedly called her "a stud" (via NBC Olympics), Missy Franklin, at only 17 years old, is one of the youngest competitors on the U.S. Olympic team.

Much is expected from this young swimmer, who may not have the star potential other members of this list have, but what she does have is great charisma and the chance to carve her name in U.S. Olympic history this summer. 

Gabby Douglas, Gymnastics

Sixteen-year-old Gabrielle Douglas is already on her way to making history.

An individual medal in gymnastics for Douglas would be significant, making the Virginia Beach native the first African-American woman to reach the Olympic podium since Dominique Dawes in 2000. 

Perhaps the strongest rising star in the sport, Gabrielle's talent is only matched by her charisma. 

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