The 2012 Olympics will be here before you know it. It is time to start getting to know the women who will be competing in the games, especially the women who have a real shot at gold. These women come from all across the globe and each play a different sport. When you tune into the 2012 Olympics, these are the women you will want to be watching.
Stephanie Rice
This Australian Olympian broke three world records and won three gold medals in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. This performance put her into swimming royalty throughout the world. Despite a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2010, Rice is back in the water and ready to continue her trend of getting the gold in the Olympics.
Sophie Horn
This British golf star is more of an up and comer, but the fact that she is somewhat of an underdog in the 2012 Olympics is exactly why she should be watched. She could sneak up on her competitors and end up taking a medal home; she could also fall flat. We will just have to watch and see.
Josefine Oqvist
The Swedish soccer star is one that Hope Solo should fear. The 2003 Swedish rookie of the year also has a bronze medal under her belt thanks to a win at the 2011 World Cup. This forward is a hitter and a fierce competitor. She may be relatively new to the Olympic world, but this will not stop her from fighting for a medal.
Leryn Franco
Franco is from Paraguay and is in the Olympics for her talent in javelin throwing. Certainly not a sport we hear much about, and certainly not a sport we see many women in. She may seem shy and small, but this woman is incredibly strong. If javelin throwing is your sport, or even if it isn't, Franco is someone to watch in the 2012 Olympics.
Jessica Ennis
This German mega-athlete will be competing in the heptathlon in the 2012 Olympics. This event is huge, taking place over two days. It involves seven different events: 100-meter hurdles, shot put, high jump, 200-meter run, javelin throw, long jump and 800-meter run. Ennis is young, but ready. She will be someone to watch in this Olympics.
Caroline Wozniacki
The Danish tennis player is certainly on top of her sport right now. A lot of other Olympic tennis players are gunning for a chance to beat her. She did just recently beat Serena Williams in the Sony Ericsson Open. She is still not a household name, but likely will be following the Olympics.
