Olympic Gymnastics Schedule 2012: Women Who Will Shine in Qualifying Events

The mayhem surrounding the kickoff of some of the Olympics' most exciting events is upon us, but the women's gymnastics team is preparing for the start of its own events on Sunday.

First up on the docket for the ladies will be the qualifying events, which will run all day on Sunday beginning with Subdivision 1 at 4:30 a.m. ET.

Here's a look at Sunday's full schedule: (All times ET)

Subdivision 1: 4:30 a.m.

Subdivision 2: 6:15 a.m.

Subdivision 3: 9: 45 a.m.

Subdivision 4: 11:30 a.m.

Subdivision 5: 3 p.m.

You can see the entire Olympics gymnastics schedule here.

For now, here's a look at the top female gymnasts to pay special attention to during Sunday's qualifying events.

Jordyn Wieber

Prior to the Olympic Trials, Wieber was heralded as the Michael Phelps of gymnastics. She's expected to be the 2012 version of Shawn Johnson. Whether that means winning the gold or taking a backseat to teammate Gabby Douglas and settling for the silver remains to be seen.

Wieber was widely expected to place first during the trials, but she was upstaged by Douglas, who earned the only automatic bid to the games. Still, Wieber is considered to be America's top contender and, even though she failed to finish first last month, could very well be the U.S.'s best chance at winning a gold medal.

One of Wieber's coaches, Kathryn Geddert, doesn't even believe the results of the trials mattered very much. All that matters is how her star performs starting on July 29. Geddert told Fox Sports' Reid Forgrave:

"

The whole goal out of the weekend was to make the team. Obviously it would have been nice to come out on top … It’s always nice to be on top, and she consistently is there. I guess it’s a different feeling. We’re not used to her being second.

"

Once the Olympics start, coming in second will likely be a distant memory for Wieber.

Gabby Douglas

As interesting as it will be to see whether Wieber can reclaim her position as the best gymnast America has to offer, it will be equally interesting to see if Douglas can pull off the same heroics twice.

Though she placed first at the trials and finished first in the uneven bars at the 2012 Visa Championships, Douglas has been knocked for being unproven in international competition. In other words, the Olympics could be the first true test she faces and not only will she have to take down her own teammate in Wieber, she'll have to take down the best gymnasts the rest of the world has to offer.

Sunday's qualifying events are our first opportunity to see whether Douglas' performance at the trials was a fluke, or whether she really is—and can continue to be—the best.

Aly Raisman

Unlike Douglas, Raisman has already managed to prove herself outside of the confines of the U.S.: She earned a gold medal as a member of the 2011 World Championships team, where she also earned a bronze medal in floor exercise. At this year's Visa Championships, she finished first in the balance beam and third all-around.

But there aren't many people who are expecting Raisman to steal the show over teammates like Wieber and Douglas. To her, it doesn't really matter—just getting to the Olympics has always been her life goal, according to ESPN.com's Michelle Smith. She isn't necessarily expected to blow anyone away, but she is expected to show up and work hard.

Maybe, though, Raisman will surprise some people. U.S. coach Marta Karolyi, after all, did commend her for her work ethic in an interview with Smith, and Raisman has always been known for her consistency. Those are two qualities every Olympic champion absolutely must have.