Michael PhelpsSport: SwimmingWhy watch: A breakout star in the '04 games, Phelps is going for eight golds in Bejiing. With his 6'7" wingspan, Phelps has the 10 fastest times ever in the 200m butterfly, one of his best events.

Katie HoffSport: SwimmingWhy watch: Hoff - whom you may remember as a panicky 15-year-old at the Athens games - is now a seasoned veteran of the team. She'll be swimming six events, including 200m freestyle.

Natalie CoughlinSport: SwimmingWhy watch: Coughlin's five medals in Athens, including two golds, tied the all-time record for most medals won by a woman in a single Olympic games. At trials, she beat her own world record in the 100m backstroke.

Tyson GaySport: Track and FieldWhy watch: You could be witnessing the fastest man alive: During the trials, Gay posted a time of 9.68 (wind-aided) in the 100m dash - the fastest time ever recorded.

Allyson FelixSport: Track and FieldWhy watch: Personable Sunday-school teacher Felix, a silver medal winner at the Athens games, will be going for gold in her signature event, the 200m dash.

Sanya RichardsSport: Track and FieldWhy watch: Though slowed by Behcet's Syndrome (a vascular-system disease) in 2007, Richards - who is engaged to the New York Giants' Aaron Ross - is a favorite to win the 400m dash.

Shawn JohnsonSport: GymnasticsWhy watch: The 4'9" phenom, a powerhouse on the balance beam and floor exercise, was flooded out of her gym this summer. But in trials, the girl with the high-watt smile proved that she's ready to compete for gold.

Lebron James and Kobe BryantSport: BasketballWhy watch: After dominating on the world stage for years, the U.S. men's basketball team has had a rough patch. But with the help of James, Bryant and several other NBA stars, they're favored to win.

Lisa Leslie and Candace ParkerSport: BasketballWhy watch: They represent the past and the future. Leslie, perhaps the best woman to ever play the game, will be competing in her fourth Olympics; Parker was the first pick in this year's WNBA draft.

Freddy Adu Sport: SoccerWhy Watch: He's the youngest American since 1887 to sign a major league contract (Which he did at age 14.) After some rocky seasons stateside, Adu spent time overseas, but he's now back in fine form to represent the U.S.

Jozy AltidoreSport: SoccerWhy Watch: Altidore is the youngest player to ever score a goal in a MLS playoff game. He also scored four goals in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, including both goals in a stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil.

Lindsay TarpleySport: SoccerWhy Watch: In Athens, Tarpley appeared in all six matches, and started in three, leading the scoring with a 25-yard shot. She recently scored  four goals in the Four Nations Tournament in China, earning MVP honors.

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri WalshSport: Beach VolleyballWhy watch: May-Treanor is the first woman and fifth player ever to reach 100 career wins. Since pairing with Walsh in 2001, they have been unstoppable, including winning gold in Athens.

Jennie FinchSport: SoftballWhy watch: Finch, who was also a contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice and is one of People's "50 Most Beautiful People," will be pitching for defending gold medalists team USA in her second Olympic games.