Missy Franklin and the Next Generation's Biggest Olympic Stars

While some young, promising athletes have floundered in their first Olympics, others have soared and even surpassed expectations.

The 2012 London Olympics has offered its fair share of surprises and spectacular performances this summer, particularly in the swimming department.

Here's a look at some young Olympians who will continue doing damage moving forward.

Missy Franklin, USA, Swimming

Missy Franklin was being hyped even before she captured gold in the 100-meter backstroke on Monday in an American-record 58.33 seconds.

Franklin, just 17 years old, also helped the U.S. women capture the bronze medal in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay on Saturday and is tied for the individual medal lead right now. Everything we knew about Franklin has come together, and she figures to be a prominent women's swimmer for a long time.

Yannick Agnel, France, Swimming

There was a lot of talk about American swimmer Ryan Lochte headed into the 2012 London Olympics, but 20-year-old Yannick Agnel has blown everyone away so far.

Not only did Agnel win the 200-meter freestyle on Monday, he also burst past Lochte in the anchor leg of the 4x100 freestyle relay on Sunday to help France steal gold away from the U.S.

Maybe we should have been talking about Agnel this whole time.

Alex Morgan, USA, Soccer

We already knew about American Alex Morgan after she helped the U.S. women to the World Cup final in 2011, but this is her first Olympics appearance.

Considered one of the most dangerous offensive players in the world, Morgan has scored two goals in two games for the U.S. women so far, as the Americans have defeated France and Colombia.

You'll remember that Morgan, 23, stepped up for the women when it mattered most in the World Cup, scoring against France and Japan in the semifinals and the final, respectively. 

Ye Shiwen, China, Swimming

Ye Shiwen, just 16 years of age, set the women's world record in the 400-meter individual medley on Saturday with a blistering time of 4:28.43.

Even more impressive, her final 50 meters timed in at 28.93 seconds, which was faster than Ryan Lochte swam down the stretch when he won the gold in the 400-meter individual medley. 

Obviously, with a showing like that, there are questions aplenty about whether Shiwen used performance-enhancing drugs, but unless that is proven, you have to give the 16-year-old credit.

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