2012 Olympic Schedule: Biggest American Stars to Watch on Monday

With China ahead of the United States in the 2012 Olympic medal count, the Americans will try to be opportunistic on Day 3. And no, I'm not talking about what goes on in the Olympic village.

Some of the top athletes for the U.S. will be taking center stage Monday.

From the pool to the beach, here are the top American stars to set an alarm for on Day 3.

Ryan Lochte, Swimming

Men’s 200-Meter Freestyle:  2:41 p.m. ET

Ryan Lochte disappointed in the U.S. men’s 4x100 relay on Sunday, but Monday is another day. He will be expected to take gold against a Phelps-less field in the 200-meter freestyle.

Expect Lochte to regain his form in the 200; he had never been in the anchor position in an Olympic pool, and his individual times up to this point have been superb.

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, Beach Volleyball

Beach Volleyball: 6 p.m. ET

This two-time gold-medal pairing goes into this contest with a 15-0 Olympic record. Think these girls are good? They’re even playing to sold-out crowds in London.

May-Treanor and Walsh took care of the Australians on Day 1 (21-18, 21-19). Now they’ll have the Czechs in Day 2 in what should be an entertaining match.

In what could be their final run in the Olympics, check out U.S. beach volleyball to get a one last look at greatness.

Missy Franklin, Swimming

Women’s 100-Meter Backstroke: 2:49 p.m. ET

Missy Franklin, fresh off a bronze medal in the 4x100 women’s relay, has her sights on the gold in her first individual event. The 17-year-old finished first in her semifinal heat, but her times have not been the event’s best.

She has youth on her side, and it will be interesting to see if she can put on a gold-medal-worthy performance.

Rebecca Soni, Swimming

Women’s 100-Meter Breaststroke: 3:13 p.m. ET

The No. 1 women’s breaststroke swimmer in the world will try to win her first gold in the 100. She posted the fastest time in qualifying on Sunday morning.

In 2008, Soni lost out to Australian Leisel Jones for the gold, but she has risen to the top spot since then. She will have a chance to beat out Jones, who is in the field as well.