Ashton Eaton

Sport: Track and Field

Nation: United States of America

DOB: January 21, 1988

Hometown: Eugene, OR

Career Highlights: Eaton didn't just qualify for the Olympics with his first-place finish at the U.S. trials - he set a new world record in the decathlon, surpassing the 11-year-old mark held by Roman Sebrle of the Czech Republic and setting himself up to be one of the biggest American stars in London. Just 24 years old, he didn't expect to achieve such a momentous feat so early in his career. “The great thing about this is, and not to pump my own tires, but I feel like I'm not maximized yet,” he said. “I feel like I can still run faster, jump higher, which I think makes it special. Hopefully, going to London, I'll be welcomed into the decathlon community.” That’s probably a bit of an understatement, considering he’ll probably arrive in England as the gold-medal favorite. He finished second to American teammate Trey Hardee at the 2011 world championships and won gold at the indoor worlds in March in the heptathlon, breaking his own world record in that event. But the Oregon native and former NCAA champion with the Oregon Ducks shined brightest in his home state at the Olympic trials. Despite rainy conditions, he started with brilliant performances in the 100 meters and the long jump and finished with a personal best in the 1,500 - which he needed to get the record, now 9,039 points. “It pleases me to be in that fraternity with a kid that carries on a great tradition in a very classy way,” former world record holder Rafer Johnson said.

Olympic History: None