Olympics 2012 Schedule: Biggest American Events on Day 5 in London

Unlike most major sporting events, where the stars are what draw ratings, the Olympics are clearly the hook and the stars are made because of the games. 

In this country, we latch onto our stars. Sometimes they are created during the events, but often it is because we remember them from previous Olympics. 

That is not to say we go into the Olympics without knowledge of who to watch, but we need these two weeks to get familiar with them.

As we reach Day 5 in London, the stars have come out in full force and are ready to attack these Olympics. 

Here is a look ahead at the schedule for Wednesday's events in London that feature the biggest American stars. 

Men's 200-Meter Backstroke Heats (5:21 a.m. EDT) and Semifinals (2:51 p.m. EDT)

This would seem to be Ryan Lochte's event to lose. The American set an Olympic record in this event four years ago and his qualifying time of one minute, 52.96 seconds was two seconds better than the next closest competitor. 

That said, we have seen Lochte struggle, by his standards, in these Olympics. He placed fourth in the 200-meter freestyle, so there could be some residual letdown effect going on. 

Given that it is just the heat and semifinals, I don't expect to see Lochte completely fall apart. I am intrigued to see how he does. 

Women's 100-Meter Freestyle Heats (5:00 a.m. EDT) and Semifinals (2:40 p.m. EDT)

Even though she was unable to get a medal in the 200-meter freestyle on Tuesday—fellow American Allison Schmitt took care of that with an Olympic record time of one minute, 53.61 seconds—Missy Franklin should figure prominently in Wednesday's festivities. 

The 100-meter freestyle, while not Franklin's specialty, is there for the taking. Franklin's qualifying time of 53.63 seconds ranks seventh among the field competing in the heats. As long as she is able to avoid the outside lane, which she had in the 200 meter, she should be a strong contender. 

Women's Beach Volleyball: USA vs. Austria (6:00 p.m. EDT)

I know everyone talks about Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings and how great they truly are, but their dominance in the Olympics is bordering on ridiculousness. 

They have won the last two gold medals at the Olympics without ever losing a set. That is a span of 32 matches. It is almost unfair the work they have been able to do against the best competition in the world. 

Austria counters with the Schwaiger sisters (Doris and Stefanie), who have needed all three sets to win their two matches thus far. They may not be the ones to break the streak, but there are times this year when the Americans have looked vulnerable. 

For a full look at all the day's events and start times, click here.

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