Olympic Medal Count 2012: Track Stars Who Will Provide Big Boost to Team USA

The overall medal count battle between the United States and China looks like it will continue right up until the closing ceremony. The two dominant Olympic countries are way ahead of every other nation as the halfway point nears.

One area where Team USA should be able to make up some ground is during the track events. There are several Americans with high medal hopes and if they all live up to expectations, it will equal a lot podium appearances for the United States.

Let's take a look at three track stars who should provide a boost to the American medal count.

Carmelita Jeter

Four years after failing to make Team USA for the Beijing Games, Jeter has transformed herself into a force to be reckoned with in London. She had a terrific showing at the Olympic trials and will hope to carry that momentum into her events.

Individually, she will take part in the 100 and 200 meters. The 100-meter race is her specialty and is among the top contenders to take home gold along with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica.

Jeter could also land on the podium in the 200, although fellow American Allyson Felix is the favorite for first place in that race. The California native will also take part in the 4x100-meter relay for a United States team that should earn gold or silver.

LaShawn Merritt

Merritt returns to the Olympics looking for a repeat of the 2008 Games. In Beijing, Merritt won gold in both the 400 meters and the 4x400-meter relay for the United States and will take part in the same events this time around.

There was some concern that a nagging hamstring issue would damage Merritt's chances of competing at a high level, but it appears he's trending in the right direction. His coach told the Associated Press that the hamstring is now "much improved and pain free."

If Merritt is indeed back to full strength in time for his events, he should pick up two gold medals for the United States once again. He's the best 400-meter runner in the world and he's looking to prove it for the second straight Olympics.

Allyson Felix

It will be the third time Felix is representing the United States at the Olympics, previously picking up a gold and two silvers. Her best event is the 200 meters, the source of her two individual medals, but she still hasn't claimed gold.

Felix is also in the relay groups for the 4x100 and 4x400. If she's able to secure a spot on both teams, and there's a good chance she will, it wouldn't be a surprise to see her walk away from London with four medals.

After a couple Olympic Games spent in the shadow of other stars, there's a good chance Felix will finally get her moment in the spotlight as long as she performs well in London. She's a key piece of an extremely deep and talented Team USA track team.

For a complete look at the current 2012 Olympic medal count, click here.