London 2012 Olympics: Highlighting This Year's Biggest US Names

The London Olympics are set to begin Friday with the Opening Ceremonies, as millions around the world eagerly anticipate the two-week spectacle.

In the U.S., fans across all sports can't wait to see their favorite athletes go for gold.

Some of those athletes have already reached the level of superstardom, while some will catapult to that level after a great Olympic performance.

You'll recognize many of the names on this list, while there are others you may not recognize right away, but they've earned their spot in the countdown.

Here's a look at the 10 biggest names the U.S. has sent to London.

10. Mariel Zagunis

Zagunis is likely the one athlete you have not heard of on this list, but her accomplishments in the fencing world have made her a household name.

She is the two-time defending Olympic gold medalist in the women's sabre competition, and has been simply dominant in the sport.

Zagunis has also won two of the last three golds at the World Championships, with the 2011 competition being her only black eye as she got a silver medal.

Heading into the Olympics, she is the favorite to win again, and is the No. 1 seed.

9. Gabrielle Douglas

Douglas is a newcomer on the Olympic stage, but her performance in the U.S. Olympic Trials has shown she is one to contend with.

Nicknamed the Flying Squirrel, Douglas made her debut on the national scene in 2010 and has made her steady rise in the last two years.

Now, she is expected to contend for the all-around gold in London.

Douglas is currently featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, along with the rest of the U.S. women's gymnastics team, the first time an entire gymnastics team had been featured on the cover.

8. Missy Franklin

Franklin is only 17 years old, but has the potential to be the next Michael Phelps.

For London, she's entered into seven events (four individual, three relays) and is one of the favorites in each.

Although it's likely she won't win all seven golds, it's the start of an Olympic career that could possibly see her as the most decorated female American swimmer in history.

But, that's all projections and you never know what can happen.

7. Kevin Durant

Durant is in a class only with LeBron James, as far as being the best basketball player in the world.

His tall, lanky frame gives him the ability to shoot from anywhere in the offensive zone.

Durant is competing in his first Olympics, but is already a household name around the world.

While it's not likely he'll average more points than James in the Olympics, Durant will still be a key cog if the U.S. is going to win a gold medal.

6. Ashton Eaton

Eaton just recently became a household name.

During the Olympic Trials, Eaton broke the world record in the decathlon scoring 9,039 points.

Throughout the two-day event, many viewers who tuned in were rooting Eaton on.

And, in the 1,500-meter race, it was classic to see other competitors pushing him to break the record in the last 100 meters of the race.

The only question about him is if he can break the world record once again in the Olympics.

5. Jordyn Wieber

Wieber is the defending all-around world champion and is the favorite again to win in London.

Although the rest of the women's team is slowly becoming a household name, Wieber has been at that status for more than a year.

If she wins gold in London, it will propel her into superstardom after the Olympics. She'll be able to take advantage of sponsorship deals since she's forgoing her college eligibility to turn pro.

Wieber, along with her U.S. teammates are currently featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, marking the first time an entire women's gymnastics team has earned that honor.

4. Lolo Jones

Jones is best remembered for her finish at the 2008 Olympics, when she kicked over a hurdle in the 100-meter hurdle final to finish without a medal.

Then, there's the story of her back problems and subsequent surgeries, before making it back to the track.

In May, Jones had an interview with HBO Sports, in which pundits from across the nation weighed in on her choice to remain a virgin until after she was married.

Now, with all of that hoopla cleared, Jones now has clear focus on the Olympics and winning what she feels is rightfully hers—a gold medal.

She finished third at the Olympic Trials, but I still consider her the favorite entering London to take home gold.

3. Ryan Lochte

Lochte has six Olympic medals to his credit, including three golds, but seems to be locked into a head-to-head battle with Michael Phelps in multiple events in London.

The 27-year-old will be competing in the 200-meter backstroke, 400-meter individual medley, 200-meter freestyle and 200-meter individual medley, along with three relays.

Although he will not approach Phelps's record-breaking 2008 Olympics, he still has the potential to best Phelps in both individual medleys and the 200-meter freestyle.

2. Michael Phelps

After these Olympics, Phelps will be the most decorated Olympian in history. He's only three total medals away from passing Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina for the most medals all time.

Phelps set a record in Beijing with eight total medals in one Olympics, and currently has an all-time best 14 gold medals.

His performance captured the imagination of the world and he showed he is truly one of the best ever.

Now, in this Olympics (his last), Phelps looks to cement his legacy and go out on top.

Will Lochte prevent him from going out on top?

Only time will tell.

1. LeBron James

James is simply the greatest basketball player on the planet.

In fact, I think if he trained for a few years in some other sports, he could become one of the best ever in those as well.

King James is the leader of Team USA and will likely lead the team in scoring for most games.

If the U.S. is going to win the gold medal, James is going to have to be the leader in the same way he had to be the leader for the Miami Heat if they were going to win an NBA title.