Sports fans, and even non-sports fans somehow get caught up in the majesty of the Olympics every four years.

It just happens.

Actually, standout athletes like LeBron James, coming off his first NBA title, and swimming greats like Michael Phelps and Missy Franklin along with gymnasts such as Jordyn Wieber and Gabby Douglas MAKE it happen.

Can Phelps hold off US teammate Ryan Lochte to remain king of the swimming world?

Are LeBron, Coach K and company another ‘Dream Team’ or will they pale by comparison?

As Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin captured our hearts on the gymnastics mats at previous Olympics, will Wieber and Douglas accomplish the same this go-round?

Then there’s track, cycling, table tennis, archery and so many other sports too.

OK, so I am a little disappointed about there not being softball and baseball competition at this version of the Games.

Though there was some anti-American sentiment to the decision to drop those two sports, I’ll try to forget that and enjoy the remainder of the Olympics!