When the Olympics come around every 2-4 years (depending on how you look at it), I will be honest, I get very excited. Along with my excitement comes confusion. There are 36 sports (countless events) being competed at this years Olympics in London, and over 2000 athletes participating. So here at ninjasports, we want to give you a good start. Covered here are key athletes, teams, and events that are must see for every sports fan.

Star Watch:

Ashton Eaton, decathlon: Eaton is the clear favorite to win gold in the Decathlon. A fellow American, Trey Hardee, will push Eaton and likely win a metal as well. Key dates: 8/8-8/9.

Mariel Zagunis, fencing: Already a champion twice in individual sabre, Zagunis will likely win gold. The tournament will be going on all day: 8/1.

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, beach volleyball: This pair is looking to 3-peat in London. Dates: 7/28, 7/30, 8/1, Finals: 8/8.

Kim Rhode, shooting: Rhode has went gold, gold, silver in her past three Olympics. Look for her to get four in a row. Skeet: 7/29 – medal event

Other Favorites:

USA Men’s Basketball: Key dates: v. France 7/29, v. Argentina 8/6. Bracket play: 8/8-8/12. Final: 8/12.

USA Women’s Basketball: Key dates: Bracket play 8/6-8/11.

Women’s Eights Rowing: Enter the Olympics without losing in the past 6 years. Key dates: Final 8/2.

Women’s Soccer: They have won two straight golds. Brackets: 8/3-8/9.

USA Women’s Team Gymnastics: At the 2011 World Championships, this team was barely touched. Look for them to get gold. Key dates: Final 7/31.

Keep an eye on:

Rau’shee Warren, boxing: This Olympic veteran is savvy and should at least win bronze. Dates: Semis: 8/10, Finals: 8/12.

LaShawn Merritt, 400 meters: This athlete is favored to win gold, and is coming off a nearly two year ban for drugs. Finals: 8/6.

Joshua Richmond, double trap: According to SI, his father bought him a shot-gun before he was born. Key date: 8/2.

Women’s Tennis Doubles: Finals: 8/5.

Men’s Beach Volleyball: It is a treat to watch 6’9 Phil Dalhausser play. Finals: 8/9.

USA Swimming:

Ryan Lohte and Micheal Phelps lead a strong men’s team:

Men’s 200-meter freestyle final: 7/3o.

Men’s 100-meter backstroke final: 7/30.

Men’s 200-meter backstroke final: 8/1.

Men’s 100-meter butterfly final: 7/31.

Men’s 4×100 medley relay: 8/4.

USA Women’s Swimming Key Dates:

200-meter freestyle final: 7/31.

100-meter backstroke final: 7/30.

200-meter breaststroke final: 8/2.

100-meter butterfly finals: 7/29.

4×100 medley relay: 8/4.

Look for the USA and China to be competing for the top spot in overall metal count!

Let me know if I missed anything crazy or got a date wrong… comment or tweet: @rammer05 or @ninjasportsblog