Michael Tinsley

Sport: Track and Field

Nation: United States of America

DOB: April 21, 1984

Hometown: Round Rock, TX

Career Highlights: Tinsley went into the 2012 U.S. trials hoping to secure a spot on his first Olympic team in the 400m hurdles, but it's safe to say the odds weren't in his favor. Running alongside him in the finals were Angelo Taylor, Kerron Clement and Bershawn Jackson, a trio that happened to represent the reigning gold, silver and bronze medalists from Beijing. Tinsley didn't just earn one of the team's three spots - he ran past everyone with a time of 48.33 seconds. "I’ve been training so long and being so close has kept me motivated to keep running," Tinsley said. "Coming into this Olympic trials, after getting fourth at worlds, I just made sure I did every small thing to make it through each round. I came out on top. It was amazing." Tinsley, who was the first Jackson State University track athlete to win an NCAA Division I title, is used to being overlooked, and he may well be again in favor of the more accomplished Taylor and Clement in London. Win gold, though, and he won't be able to play the underdog card anymore.

Olympic History: None