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In the United States, sports headlines are dominated by male athletes. However, the 2012 Olympics have provided women with an opportunity to finally get the spotlight they deserve.

With over two-thirds of the events completed, the females are the ones carrying Team USA. Women have won 48 of the 82 total medals for the United States, including 23 of the 34 gold medals.

In addition, the female side of the team sports have matched or surpassed their male counterparts in almost every sport. While both basketball teams look to be on track for a gold medal, the usually-impressive men's teams in volleyball and water polo have already been eliminated.

However, the women's volleyball, water polo and soccer teams are all favorites to leave London with gold medals in their respective sports.

Besides just winning, there are a number of individuals who are capturing the attention of the public. While Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte were the focus heading into the games, Missy Franklin and Allison Schmitt kept pace by winning five medals each.

Gymnastics' "Fierce Five" won its first team gold since 1996 in Atlanta. Gabby Douglas followed that up by winning the individual all-around competition, becoming the first American female to win both.

On the track, fans were able to cheer for Allyson Felix, who finally won gold after earning silver in 2004 and 2008.

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings won their third consecutive gold medal, defeating fellow Americans April Ross and Jen Kessy in the finals.

When the public watches these events, most do not consider gender. Instead, these athletes are simply Americans who are competing for their countries.

The problem is that these sports usually do not get much attention from the American audience throughout the year. Instead, the focus is on baseball, basketball and football. When it comes to professional sports, women are relegated to second class.

Even soccer, which has grown tremendously in the U.S. in recent years, mainly focuses on men despite the fact that the country fields a very impressive women's team.

Fortunately, the Olympics are different. The athletes get their chance to shine and so far have not disappointed. They have shown they are the best in the world at what they do and deserve our respect.

Maybe it is time that all fans gave it to them.

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