US Olympic Swimming Team 2012: Race Preview for Saturday's Women's 400 IM

Saturday will be the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the beginning of competition in the games.

The women's 400-meter individual medley in swimming will be a hotly contested race and one that is a must-watch for all the games' fans. It will be split up into two sessions, one during the morning and one at night.

Here's what you need to know for the event.

Where: London, United Kingdom

When: Saturday, July 28 at 11:17 a.m. EDT (Qualifiers) and 8:09 p.m. EDT (Final)

Channel: NBC (Check local listings)

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

The full Olympic schedule can be found on NBCOlympics.com.

Swimmers to Watch

Elizabeth Beisel

Beisel made her Olympic debut for Team USA in the 2008 Beijing games, where she placed fourth and fifth in the two events she participated in. It wasn't an ideal start for the American, but at least it was a solid jumping-off point for her career.

However, since then, she's begun making a name for herself in the 400-meter IM.

Beisel won her first world title at the 2011 Worlds in the same event. Further cementing herself as one of the best in the world at the 400-meter IM, Beisel went on to win at the 2012 Olympic Swimming Trials as well.

If she can repeat her performances from 2011 Worlds and 2012 Olympic Swimming Trials, there's no reason why Beisel shouldn't be able to take home gold for the USA in this event.

Caitlin Leverenz

Leverenz might be one of the more unknown US women taking part in major events, but this swimmer can't be underestimated by any stretch.

The 21-year-old just missed qualifying in Beijing four years ago but since then has shown she can hang with some of the best in the world.

Leverenz captured two victories at the 2011 Winter Nationals and then went on to finish in second in the 400-meter IM during the 2012 Olympic Swimming trials, one spot behind fellow teammate Beisel.

Training full-time under Team USA swimming coach Teri McKeever, Leverenz has exceptional coaching year round to prepare her for the biggest races of her young career. Expect Leverenz to be ready and at the top of her game for this event.