olympics

The Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London highlights the TV sports offerings this weekend. Here’s what else to watch this weekend in sports:

During its illustrious history, the Olympics has been a hotbed for controversy. It can be countries pulling out in some form of protest, the IOC banning athletes or competitors who will cause a storm of controversy.

As one-half of the legendary team also starring Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh-Jennings is instantly recognizable as one of the greatest beach volleyball players in the world. Together, they’re defending Olympic champions who won gold medals in both the 2004 and 2008 games, and they’re looking to repeat their success for a third time in London this year.

With the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games coming up soon, we thought we’d take a glimpse at some of the American superstars who have claimed Olympic glory in the past.

While soccer isn’t nearly as popular here as it is in other parts of the world, it seems to get its due in the US during the Olympics, at least. And when the women’s national soccer team won gold after a hotly-contested battle against Brazil at the 2008 Games in Beijing, its members became superstars.

Many of the 49 men and women who make up this year’s US swimming squad — like Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Jessica Hardy and Rebecca Soni — have years of experience. But fresh-faced Missy Franklin is a relative newcomer to the sport.

The athletes that comprise Team USA in the Summer Olympics may have been born in the USA but their outfits? Not so much.

McDonald’s has a monopoly on french fries at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

One day Quidditch may be part of the Summer Olympics. But for now the sport J.K. Rowling invented in her ‘Harry Potter‘ books will settle on holding its latest tournament in close proximity to the Games of the XXX Olympiad, which will take place in London later this month.

At 27 years old, swimmer Michael Phelps is at the top of his game. He’s won countless honors, awards and medals during his career, leading some to describe him as the greatest athlete in history to ever grace the sport.