Olympics 2012 Schedule: Listing of Must-See Events This Week

The 2012 Olympics have just begun, and already they've become subject to much controversy and shock.

Take women’s fencing, for example; Korea’s A Lam Shin lost to Germany’s Britta Heidemann after a last minute scoring decision from the judges.

Japan’s men’s gymnastics team submitted an appeal at the artistic gymnastics competition and won. The result: The silver medal was awarded to Japan while Great Britain was bumped to the bronze, and Ukraine lost their bronze medal. Anxiety was at its highest as everyone involved waited for the judges to make a decision.

In addition, the quest for more gold remains for U.S. swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.

Pride is on the line as these athletes compete for gold medals. The rest of the week promises events that will definitely surprise, anger and be cause for viewers to stand up and cheer for their favorites.

Here are five events for the next five days that are truly “must-see.” 

Wednesday: Women’s Beach Volleyball

What can be said about the dynamic duo! Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings have still not lost a set in beach volleyball.

The twosome has already qualified for an Olympic berth and will compete for the Olympic gold. Their streak is on the line as they take on Austria’s Stefanie and Doris Schwaiger.

The match begins at 11 p.m. EST.

With their streak and pride on the line, don’t expect May-Treanor or Walsh Jennings to go out quietly.

Their unprecedented streak is a testament to their perseverance to win. Will the Austrian duo take them down? Or will May-Treanor and Walsh Jennings keep their winning streak alive?

Regardless of who is victorious, history will happen in London.

Thursday: Men’s 200-Meter Individual Medley

The final will take place at 8:19 p.m. EST.

Heats will be determined tomorrow for the event. Among the swimming hopefuls are USA’s Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.

Both will continue their budding rivalry and attempt to qualify for the final. Phelps has one first gold medal while Lochte has two.

They have other concerns to worry about: Jayden Hadler and Daniel Tranter, contenders from the Australian swimming team that will also attempt to qualify.

Who will make the finals Thursday night? Many are favored, but the clock and skills have the final say. 

Friday: Women’s Water Polo

Water Polo is no joke.

It’s a difficult task to tread water for an entire quarter while throwing, pushing and shooting a ball all while swimming to score on an opponent. The event also has sparked physical play in the pool.

The United States team will take on China at 7:40 p.m. EST. The women’s team looks to win this preliminary round match at arguably the toughest water sport event.

The winner advances to the next round in their quest for gold. This won’t be a walk in the park for either team. They will be evenly matched, making this bout of physical, competitive display definitely one to watch.

Which superpower will advance: the United States or China?

Saturday: Men’s Volleyball

Two powerhouses will duke it out on the hard court as two countries rekindle their “Cold War” rivalry.

The United States and Russia square off in the preliminary round men’s volleyball match. The event will start at 7:45 p.m. EST.

These two teams would love a victory against each other, considering the competitive history both these countries have had over the years.

The U.S. team is coming off an impressive victory over Germany, which they won in three straight sets.

The Russians are just getting warmed up. They took on fellow powerhouse Brazil and won/lost.

Which of these two will stand tall come Saturday? 

Sunday: Men’s Wrestling

Both the 55kg and 74 kg Greco-Roman wrestling events will take place on Sunday. Both events will start with qualification matches at 1 p.m. EST.

The U.S. will have Colorado Springs natives Spenser Mango and Ben Provisor representing the 55 and 74 kg divisions, respectively. Both will make their Olympic debuts on Sunday.

The U.S. haven’t had luck in the wrestling event. Hungary’s Istvan Majoros took gold in 2004’s 55-kg event, and the U.S. didn’t make the medal stand for the 55-kg or the 77-kg  that year.

Can the U.S. gain their stronghold over the world in the Greco-Roman event?