Top Must-Watch Olympic Events 2012

This year the Olympics in London are highly anticipated to be very competitive and especially entertaining. There are likely to be upsets and excitement as the world’s best athletes gather and compete in the summer games. It is nearly impossible to watch every single event, so we have put together a list of the top ten must watch events at the Olympics.

10

US vs Japan – Women’s Soccer
Thursday, August 9, 2:30 p.m. (Gold Medal Match), NBC

Seeking redemption after seeing the U.S. women’s soccer team collapse in the gold medal game at last year’s World Cup was heartbreaking. After the excruciating defeat, Team USA, with star goalie Hope Solo at the net, is heading to London looking for gold.

9

Sarah Robles – Women’s Weightlifting
Sunday, August 5, 3:30 p.m. EST, NBC Sports

23-year-old Sarah Robles’ story is awe-inspiring. For months she lived on just $400 a month, which was her stipend from the USA weightlifting team. Sarah is the top ranked weightlifter in the country, but regardless is considered to be an outside pick for medal contention.

8

Lolo Jones vs. Dawn Harper – 100-Meter Hurdles
Tuesday, August 7, 8:00 p.m. EST (Finals), NBC

Following her disappointing finish in Beijing, Lolo Jones is out for redemption. On the last gate, the to-be winner of the race tripped and finished 7th at the last games and fellow American Dawn Harper went on to take gold. It will be interesting to see how these games end up as these two compete against each other again.

7

Oscar Pistorius – 400-meter dash
Saturday, August 4, 11:15 a.m. EST (Preliminaries), NBC

This year South African’s Oscar Pistorius has caused quite the controversy. Oscar Pistorius will be the first amputee to ever compete in a track and field event at the Olympics. Some say that he is an inspiration while others say that he is a cheater.

6

Closing Ceremony
Sunday, August 12, 7:00 p.m. EST, NBC

The closing ceremony is expected to rival the opening ceremony. Over 4000 performers are expected to be involved including George Michael, The Spice Girls, and rock and roll hall of fame band, The Who.

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5

U.S. vs. China – Women’s Gymnastics
Tuesday, July 31, 8:00 p.m. EST (Team Finals), NBC

Having barely lost to China, the US women’s gymnastics team will be out to prove themselves once again. With young stars Jordyn Wieber and Gabby Douglass, they are expected to be the top team.

4

Opening Ceremony
Saturday, July 27, NBC

The opening ceremonies at the London games is expected to be an amazing theatrical spectacle. After the opening of the Beijing games, London has a lot to live up to and, you can bet, they will be giving their best effort to deliver. Britain is expected to highlight their cultural DNA and celebrate their eccentricity and enlightenment.

3

Usain Bolt vs. Yohan Blake – 100-Meter Dash
Sunday, August 5, 7:00 p.m. EST (Finals), NBC 

In 2008, Usain Bolt broke the world record for the 100-meter dash. Now in 2012, fellow countryman Yohan Blake will be giving him a run for his money. In Jamaica’s Olympic trials, Yohan bested Usain in both the 100-meter and 200-meter races. Who comes out on top at the games will be one of the most highly anticipated questions at the games this year.

2

Michael Phelps vs. Ryan Lochte – 400-Meter Individual Medley
Saturday, July 28, 8:00 p.m. EST (Finals), NBC

The most anticipated swimming event at the games, the rivalry between Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte has been brewing for months. At the US trials Lochte bested eight-time medalist Michael Phelps by a very slim margin.

1

U.S. vs. Spain – Men’s Basketball
Sunday, August 12, 10:00 a.m. EST (Gold Medal Game), NBC

The 2012 US Men’s Basketball team has been drawing comparisons between them and the 1992 US Dream Team. With players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony on its roster there is no reason why they should lose gold, but the rivalry between the US team and Spain has been forming ever since the 2004 Athens games when the US team ended up with a bronze medal. In 2008, Spain nearly took the gold from the US and is looking to do it in 2012.

 

Source: The Daily Beast