Must-See American Olympic Athletes
#14 Jospeh Diaz Jr.
At 19, he's the youngest member of the Olympic Boxing Team. But this goes a bit deeper. With his father unemployed and mother working part-time, he's hoping his gloves will help lift his family out of the poverty as well.
Related Content
►
View All From This Gallery
15:
LeBron James
Having just won his first NBA Finals ring, it will be interesting to see if LeBron James can lead the USA Team to Gold.
14:
Jospeh Diaz Jr.
At 19, he's the youngest member of the Olympic Boxing Team. But this goes a bit deeper. With his father unemployed and mother working part-time, he's hoping his gloves will help lift his family out of the poverty as well.
13:
Lolo Jones
This track star has become quite the celeb recently and the world is waiting to see how she'll fair in 2012.
12:
Carmelita Jeter
No relation to Derek, this sprinter wants to prove to the world she's indeed the fastest woman in the world.
11:
Tyson Gay
Amazingly, due to injury, Tyson Gay couldn't even jog just this past March. Regardless, he made the US Team and is competing against Jamaica's Usain Bolt in the 100 meters.
10:
Gabby Douglas
The uneven-bars happen to be her best event, however, Douglas has improved in all events and her performances are critical for team USA.
9:
Steven Lopez
The whole Lopez family are Olympic athletes, but by garnering any kind of medal, Steven will become the most decorated taekwondoka ever.
8:
Jason Richardson
The best men's American hurdler is looking to break a record in the 110m hurdlers during the Olympics.
7:
Kayla Harrison
Kayla overcame an abusive situation from a former coach before starting a new life in Boston. She could become the first ever gold medal winner for Team USA in judo.
6:
John Orozco
Rising above drugs, gangs and other traps for teens in inner cities like the Bronx (Orozco's hometown), this Gym Class Heroes video music star is hoping to inspire the world with his gymnastics skills.
5:
Missy Franklin
This 17 year old swimmer could haul in seven golds and when Michael Phelps retires, will be the new face of American swimming.
4:
Allyson Felix
Allyson has taken home silver in each of the last two Olympics. Could this be the year she takes gold?
3:
David Boudia
The 2008 Olympics had the U.S. Diving Team bringing home nothing in terms of medals. In 2012, our best hope is in David Boudia, a 3-time NCAA Diver of the Year.
2:
Jordyn Weiber
If the U.S. women's gymnastics team wants only it's second gold ever, they won't do it without Weiber.
1:
Michael Phelps
Poised to become the most decorated Olympian athlete ever, Phelps is retiring when the 2012 Olympics come to a close.
