Natalie Coughlin

Natalie Coughlin lost her world record in the 100-meter backstroke at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials - but only for a minute. In a prelim heat, Hayley McGregory broke Coughlin's previous record with a time of 59.15. But then, in her own prelim, Coughlin regained the record with a time of 59.03.

Brittany Dircks

Brittany Dircks it the great American hope in the sport of trampolining. Yes, jumping on the trampoline. See, parents everywhere, all that time spent jumping and flipping in the backyard is quality time after all!

Trampolining takes place during the gymnastics portion of the Olympic competition, and has been a medal sport at the Summer Games since 2000. The sport is dominated by Asian and Eastern European athletes, but Brittany is the top American. In fact, Brittany is the only American ever to complete a "Miller" - a double-flipping, triple twist - in competition.

Brittany also recently recently set a world record for highest dificulty performed in the compulsary routine. Her routine included a Triffis pike and Miller straight.

Look for her in Beijing.

Vanda Hadarean

Vanda Hadarean was a member of Romania's gymnastics team at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Now she's a fitness model.

Candace Parker

Candace Parker once won the slam-dunk contest at the McDonald's all-star game (beating out five guys). In a WNBA game on June 22, 2008, the Los Angeles Sparks rookie dunked against the Indiana Fever, becoming just the second woman to dunk in a WNBA contest. Her teammate, Lisa Leslie is the only other woman to date to dunk in the WNBA.

Michelle More

The bio on her management company's site begins, "Don't let her model good looks fool you." OK, we won't! Can she play? "Michelle More, half of a duo dubbed 'Team Gorgeous' on the American Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Tour, can compete with the best of them on the court."

Well alrightie then! With her partner Suzanne Stonebarger, More posted nine Top 10 finishes on the AVP circuit in her breakout season of 2006. Michelle played collegiately at Nevada-Reno where she was a four-time all-conference selection.

Milka Duno

Milka Duno is an auto racing competing in the Indy Racing League (IRL) series. She must have one of the most unusual backgrounds ever for a race car driver. A native of Venezuela, Duno worked as both a model and as a naval engineer before first strapping into an Indy car. According to her Web site, she has academic degrees in organizational development, naval architecture, maritime business and marine biology.

Alicia Sacramone

Alicia Sacramone is an American gymnast who has won seven medals combined at the last three World Championships - two golds (floor exercise, 2005; team, 2007); three silvers (2006 team; 2006 vault; 2006 floor exercise); and two bronzes (vault, 2005; vault, 2007). She's also won numerous U.S. championships during that period and will be on the American team at the Summer Games in Beijing.

Ana Ivanovic the New No. 1

I mentioned a few days ago that Maria Sharapova is still the No. 1 player in women's tennis despite losing at the French Open. Well, not anymore. The new No. 1-ranked player - and the French Open champion - is Serb star Ana Ivanovic. Who is dressed appropriately for a fancy celebratory party.

Jade Johnson

Jade Johnson is an English track star specializing in the long jump. She'll likely be on the British Olympic team this year, and if you read what's on her derriere you'll see she's working in support of London's 2012 bid. Johnson was second at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and 2002 European Championships, fourth at the 2003 World Championships, and seventh at the 2004 Olympics.

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova was ousted from the French Open by Dinara Safina. But she still has the No. 1 world ranking, and is likely to do much better in a couple weeks at Wimbledon.