Olympics 2012 TV Schedule: Most Important Events You Won't Want to Miss

The first week of the 2012 Summer Olympics has fulfilled its expectations, but there are plenty of great events still to come.

As swimming and gymnastics start to wind down, track and field picks up to take over the spotlight. Meanwhile, many of the team events are starting to begin the knockout stage, where the winners advance and the losers go home.

Here are some of the top events to follow as the games progress.

Swimming, Men's 4x100-Meter Medley Relay

When: August 4, 3:27 p.m.

TV: NBC on delay at 8:00 p.m.

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

Swimming relays provide some of the most drama at the Olympics. United States and France have each split the two freestyle relays so far in these Olympics, but the medley relay provides a different challenge.

The U.S. team has dominated this event in the past, and this year should be no different. Matt Grevers and Nathan Adrian were each gold medalists in their specialization, and Brendan Hansen won the bronze.

Michael Phelps will swim the butterfly in his last Olympic event. It will be nice to see the most decorated Olympian in history finish with one more gold.

Track and Field, Men's 100-Meter Final

When: August 5, 4:50 p.m.

TV: NBC

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

Usain Bolt shattered the record books in the last Olympics, and he will look to do it again in London. Americans Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay will challenge, along with Asafa Powell of Jamaica, but this event is Bolt's to lose.

This is by far the most prestigious track and field event every year, and the winner gets to hold the title of "World's Fastest Man" until the next winner is crowned.

Soccer, Women's Final

When: August 9, 2:45 p.m.

TV: NBC Sports Network

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

The United States team went undefeated in group play, but it was not always easy. The squad went down 2-0 early against France before a big comeback, and the team was only able to defeat North Korea by one goal.

Still, they should be considered the favorite, with the scorers Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan to go with Hope Solo in net. Great Britain could provide a challenge in the semifinal, but a battle against Japan would be a fitting conclusion after the two battled in the final of the 2011 World Cup.

Basketball, Men's Final

When: August 12, 10:00 a.m.

TV: NBC

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

After scoring 156 points against Nigeria, the United States team showed that it will take a lot for anyone to beat it. Still, it will be interesting to watch the best players in the world showcase their talent.

Spain, Brazil and Russia all provide different challenges for the American team, but it will be a long shot for any of these squads to actually defeat the returning gold medalists based on the way the team is playing right now.

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