London 2012 Olympics: Hottest Storylines Heading into Week 1

The opening ceremony is less than a week away, and the Olympics are about to start.

Heading into the first week, there are tons of storylines. Every athlete has a story, and every event is wide open. Some Olympians are trying to add to their legacies; others are trying to start theirs.

There are plenty of stories building so you'll be able to pick which ones you would like to follow. For now, here are some of the biggest things to look forward to in the first week and beyond.

Will China Win More Medals Than the United States?

In 2008, China won more gold medals than the United States.

Now, China is hoping to overtake the USA on total medal count. Team USA has won the most medals at every summer Olympics since 1992. The team is strong yet again, but China is just as well-rounded.

It will be a battle for the entire Olympics so be sure to keep an eye on which country is leading the way.

James Magnussen Will Swim Relay Heats: Good or Bad?

James Magnussen is regarded as one of the top swimmers in the world.

He won gold at the 2011 World Championships in the 100-meter freestyle and the 4x100 freestyle. Nevertheless, he is expected to break tradition (as an elite swimmer) and swim in the relay heats in London.

Who knows how this will turn out. Maybe the great early times will intimidate opponents. Maybe it will encourage them. Maybe Magnussen will slow down in the finals. Maybe he will speed up.

Regardless, Magnussen should get his nerves out in the early races, but we'll have to wait and see how the rest of his Olympics goes.

4x100 Final: July 29

Will the Weather Hold Up?

Remember how much fun Wimbledon was?

Rain could be a factor throughout the Olympics. It might physically affect some events, but it could be a mental block. Regardless, it's something to keep your eye on.

The weather will be mentioned on a regular basis. Let's just hope it doesn't cloud the competition.

Can Andy Murray Become a Legend?

The fans loved Andy Murray's performance at Wimbledon, even though he fell short.

With the United Kingdom fully behind Murray, it will be up to him to satisfy the fans. If he puts in a good performance, it will be fine. If he puts in a great one and wins, he will instantly become a legend.

Murray wasn't good enough to win Wimbledon; maybe he will be good enough to win a gold medal.

Final: August 5

Is Clara Hughes the Greatest Female Olympian?

Yes, that is Clara Hughes winning a bronze medal at the winter Olympics.

The Canadian cyclist turned speed skater won an Olympic medal in 1996, 2002, 2006 and 2010. This would be an opportunity for her to win a medal in her fifth games in an incredibly unique way.

There are arguments for many great Olympians, but if Hughes can capture medals 16 years apart (in different sports), she will undoubtedly be one of the greatest Olympians ever.

Speaking of 1996, What About Kim Rhode?

Kim Rhode is attempting to win an individual medal in five straight Olympics.

She would be the first American to accomplish such a feat. At times, shooting can be overlooked, but don't let that happen this year. Rhode is competing in the skeet and trap events this year. She won a silver medal for skeet in 2008, even though her best event (double trap) was taken out.

Rhode is ready to set a record and become a legendary Olympian.

Skeet Final: July 29

Can Spain Upset Team USA in Basketball?

The United States is clearly the gold medal favorite at the Olympics, but they aren't unbeatable.

The comparisons to the Dream Team are getting old, and it's time to see if team USA is the best team at these Olympic games. Undoubtedly, the United States has the more talented team. Up and down the roster, the United States has greater players than Spain.

However, Spain matches up well. They have skilled big men that can grab offensive rebounds, which could be the downfall for the United States. It'll be a tough game and definitely one worth watching.

Final: August 12 (second week)

Is Usain Bolt the World's Fastest Man?

In Beijing, Usain Bolt took the world by storm and became a global icon.

He ran faster than we ever thought possible, and we started to think of how low times can go. Bolt continued to impress, but then he got beat at qualifying.

Obviously, Bolt knows as well as anybody that it's all about Olympic gold, but getting beat at qualifying is never a good thing. Believe it or not, Bolt has something to prove in London. It will be interesting to see how he responds.

100 m Final: August 5 (second week)

Can Ryan Lochte Beat Michael Phelps?

Ryan Lochte beat Michael Phelps twice at last year's World Championships, but he lost to him three out of four races at qualifying.

Maybe the races didn't have anything to do with each other, or maybe Phelps is slowly getting himself into prime Olympic shape. Phelps has already won 14 gold medals, and he's ready to tack on some more.

In all likelihood, Phelps will not be able to sweep his events like 2008, but I sure wouldn't bet against him. Lochte is a great swimmer, but he will need to put forth a legendary effort to take Phelps off the gold medal platform.

It will be a great individual competition between the two, and it will be exciting to see who takes over the first week of the Olympic games.