Top 2008 United States Olympics Team Trials

On August 8, 2008, the Olympic Games will begin in Beijing, China. The whole world will be watching and rooting for their home countries as the best of the best compete on an international stage rivaled only by the World Cup in soccer. And although the 2008 Olympics are only a few months away the United States hasn't officially set their rosters for all of the events. In order to make the 2008 Olympic squad, athletes must go through special trials. Here is a detailed list of some of the major United States Olympics team trials and where you can catch them.

Track and Field. The Track and Field team trials will begin on June 27. They will be hosted in Eugene, Oregon. Over 50 qualifying events will take place over three days, to include hurdles, discus throws, 100 meter dash, and marathon races. Some notable entries include Tyson Gay who ran the 100 meter dash in 9.84 seconds in order to qualify; Amy Acuff, who qualified in the women's pole vault at 1.95 meters; and men's pole vaulter Paul Gensic, a member of the United States Air Force that qualified at 5.85 meters.

Gymnastics. The 2008 Olympics United States Gymnastics qualifying trials will take place at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia from June 19-22. NBC Sports will broadcast this event, so check your local listings. Paul Hamm, the 2004 All Around Olympic champion, was scheduled to compete but may withdraw due to a recent accident where he broke his hand. His twin brother, Morgan, recently recovered from a tear in a chest muscle. He is expected to appear.

Swimming and Diving. The Swimming trials are scheduled to take place between June 29^th and July 6^th in Omaha, Nebraska. The USA and NBC networks will broadcast these events as well. Over 30 swimming events will determine the national team for the Beijing Olympics. To qualify for the Olympic trials, a swimmer must finish in the top 6 of his event over the World Championships, Pan American Games, World University Championships and Nationals Championships. Multi-medalist Michael Phelps made the 2007-2008 team by placing in eight different events.

BMX Trials. Another increasingly popular event will have its trials on Jun 14^th in Chula Vista, California. Only two slots for women and three slots for men will be decided. This year the U.S. team is ranked #1 in the world, thanks to the successes of 5'5", 150 lb. Donny Robinson.