Yannick Agnel

The up-and-coming French star in the pool, Agnel is the national record holder on the long course in the 200m and 400m freestyle. He first came onto the scene in the 2009 European junior championships, winning the 200m and 400m, and he continued to dominate the junior circuit before making his mark at the senior level in 2011. Agnel won silver at the world championships in the 4x200m freestyle relay, then took gold at the USA Winter Nationals in both the 200m and 400m freestyle. Perhaps his most notable accomplishment, however, was beating Olympic veteran Alain Bernard in the 100m freestyle at the French Olympic trials in March. The 100m, though, isn't even Agnel's second-best event. He should have a solid chance to medal in both the 200m and 400m freestyle events in London, and considering he'll only be 20 when the 2012 Games kick off, Agnel figures to be a medal contender in at least two more Olympics.