To get a glimpse of Jamaica's top medal hopefuls in London, look no further than the track. The tiny island nation specializes in sprinting, producing some of the most gifted sprinters the world has ever seen.
Introducing a few of the swiftest:
Usain Bolt: The world's most famous track star left viewers in awe with his astonishing performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bolt embarrassed the competition on his way to gold in the 100- and 200-meter races. Oh, and both in world record time. Four years later, Bolt appears ready to return to the top of the podium.
Yohan Blake: Blake is the sprinter most prepared to prevent a Bolt repeat in London. Last year's world championships saw Blake cruise to a win in the 100 meters. The title came with a bit of an asterisk, as Bolt was disqualified from the race due to a false start. At the Jamaican trials, Blake brushed aside doubts that he could outrun his training partner, pulling off surprising wins in the 100 and 200.
Veronica Campbell-Brown: Campbell-Brown may not dominate headlines like Bolt and Blake, but a glance at her resume reveals a phenomenal career. A three-time Olympic gold-medalist, Campbell-Brown is aiming to make history in the 200 as the first person ever to win three Olympic titles in the event. She'll have to contend with field that includes American sensation Allyson Felix.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: This Jamaican sprinter has a title to defend. Fraser-Pryce crossed the line first in the 100-meter final at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and awaits the opportunity to make it back-to-back Olympic victories. The door is also open for Fraser-Pryce in the 200. Campbell-Brown and Felix are the favorites, but don't be shocked if Fraser-Pryce pulls out the upset.
Asafa Powell: The former 100-meter world-record holder has been an afterthought in Jamaican track and field the past few years, but he's also still pretty quick. Powell owns the fourth-fastest time in the world this year. Expect Powell to be hungry in London, as it could be his last chance to redeem himself for disappointing fifth-place finishes at the last two Olympiads.
Aaron Griggs once dreamed of becoming an Olympian. Since that didn't pan out, he watches the Games enthusiastically, which though less fulfilling, requires considerably less training.
