2012 Olympic Games: Stars You Must Not Miss in Action

The 2012 Summer Olympics have gotten off to a hot start, and we've already seen a lot of stars solidify themselves as such—stars.

There's still so much time left, though, which means there's still time for a lot of incredible action to take place. If you ask me, there's nothing like the thrill of seeing a close race as it comes down the stretch.

Noting all of this, watch for these athletes to make a serious impact.

Yohan Blake, Track and Field

How do you make a name for yourself as a sprinter? Just like in any sport, you beat the best.

That's exactly what Yohan Blake did—he defeated fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt twice. Now, Blake has become the favorite to win the events that Bolt has owned as of late.

Make no mistake—it won't be easy, but Blake has already proven that he can do it. Both men are competing in the 4x100-meter relay as teammates and will be competing against one another in the 100-meter and 200-meter individual races.

There may be a new fastest man in the world, so don't miss him.

Ruta Meilutyte, Swimming

This youngster burst onto the scene on Sunday when she made a lot of noise in the 100-meter breaststroke. She absolutely crushed the competition in the preliminary heats and semifinals.

She capped off her incredible performances by winning gold in the event in what has likely been the most emotional moment of the Games so far.

At only 15 years old, Ruta Meilutyte (from Lithuania) seemed more shocked than anything and was very humble after taking the gold in the event she'd dominated from start to finish.

Perhaps this was the event to really see her in, but she still has a couple more events (50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle). She's definitely worth a look.

McKayla Maroney, Gymnastics

Usually, I would have Jordyn Wieber featured as the highlight of the American gymnastics team. Unfortunately, what happened to her is just too heartbreaking for me to continue with.

Still, that's not to take anything away from McKayla Maroney. She was never even a contender for the all-around title, and her presence in London is mainly as the team's apex vaulter. If you didn't catch her Sunday night, you have to be sure to watch her in team competition.

Over the vault, she gets at least a couple feet higher than anyone else in the games. The vault is a quick event, but you can't miss the height that Maroney can get.

Ashton Eaton, Decathlon

Ashton Eaton, racing for the American team, is the world record holder in the decathlon, one of the most physically grueling events in London.

He's won a gold and a silver in World Championship competition and is obviously one of the favorites to take the gold in the Olympics.

Eaton has already made a huge impact while in college at Oregon, and he'll continue to impress for Team USA.

Missy Franklin, Swimming

Just how incredible has Missy Franklin's appearance in London been already? Well, think about this—yesterday, she had a semifinal heat in the 200-meter freestyle race. She barely qualified for the finals of the event.

No more than 15 minutes later, Franklin was back in the pool, swimming in the 100-meter backstroke. That is when she won her gold medal. 

You can't help but be impressed by the amount of heart and energy the 17-year-old American has. If she is able to keep those strengths, she is going to continue to make the United States proud.