It’s been a week since the Olympics ended, and I thought I should gather all my thoughts together and create a big post on what I thought were some of the biggest highlights from the games. It was certainly a pleasure to watch all these athletes compete because they really put on a great show. Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian of all time. With 22 Olympic medals, 18 were gold, 2 were silver, and 2 were bronze. He has the most Olympic medals, most earned in a single Olympics, which is 8 from his 2008 journey (all gold). He said that this was his last Olympics. Many people certainly doubt this and he will return in Rio. I remain hopeful, but that is his choice to make. For some people it’s hard to walk away from a sport they love. Phelps make a legacy out of himself, and I’m going to remember that. ...

LaShawn Merritt: The defending Olympic champ is looking to defend his title in London. After serving a 21 month suspension and winning silver at the 2011 World Outdoor Championships, LaShawn Merritt won the 400m Trials in 44.12. He has been in great shape thus far, but last week at the Diamond League Meeting in Monaco, he had to pull out during the end part of the race. Hopefully he is healthy and ready to go. ...

Jamie Nieto: 35 year old Jamie Nieto won the U.S. Trials with a jump of 2.28m. He was an Olympian in 2004, where he finished 4th in Athens, one place out of the medal slot. He’ll be the veteran leading the other two into London, hopefully bringing home a medal. Erik Kynard,Jr.: He finished second at the trials also at 2.28m, but he took more attempts to clear it, giving him that second place. He’s a two time NCAA Champion in the high jump, and placed 7th in the qualifying rounds at Daegu last year. He’ll be bringing that experience with him to London. ...

Wallace Spearmon, Jr.: In 2008, he placed third in Beijing in the 200m, but was disqualified for a lane violation coming around the turn. Since then, Spearmon has been waiting for the day he could return and compete for redemption and that Olympic medal. He won the 200m in 19.85 to qualify for his ticket to London. He is coached by his father. Maurice Mitchell: The two-time NCAA Champion in the 200m punched his ticket to London running a 20.14 to place second at the trials. The senior from Florida State will be working hard to compete with the top elite in the international level come the Olympics ...

I’m continuing my pre-Olympic coverage of the U.S. Track & Field teams with the Pole Vault. Brad Walker: 31 years old, Brad Walker is making his first trip to the Olympics. He won the U.S. Trials in Eugene at 5.67m. He is the bronze medalist at the World Indoor Championships with a vault of 5.80m. Jeremy Scott: With a vault of 5.60m, Jeremy Scott earned his first trip to the Olympics. He placed 9th in the pole vault finals in Daegu, South Korea, and is a former national champion in the event. ...