5 American athletes who came from nowhere in 2012

5. Webb Simpson, Golf

Simpson joined the PGA in 2008 as a young and ambitious 22 year old. Till the US Open, his home state of North Carolina hadn’t even heard of him. Out of all players in the final round of the US Open, Simpson was not even cited amongst the bookie’s favorites. Yet, Simpson produced a scintillating run of strokes that saw him win the major from a 4 shot deficit. One of the more nerve wracking major finishes in modern history, Simpson gathered his composure over the likes of more popular names such as Graeme McDowell and Jim Furyk.

To prove why he came from nowhere, Simpson’s highest finish in a major was a tie for 14^th in the 2011 US Open.

4. Anthony Davis, Basketball

Davis was a strongly touted recruit in the class of 2011. Coach John Calipari of Kentucky fought hard for him and when he did commit to Kentucky, big things were expected of him. However, not even Davis would have fantasized what happened to the rookie in 2012. Not only was he a consensus first overall pick in the NBA draft, he won the National Championship with Kentucky, an Olympic Gold Medal with the US National Basketball Team, consensus First Team All-American and All-American Freshman Player of the Year, and unfathomed marketing stardom with his unibrow.

From a normal high school going kid who barely saw a thousand dollar check, Davis today commands millions in endorsements, merchandise sales and contract negotiations. Not too bad for a 19 year old, eh?

3. Gabby Douglas, Gymnastics

Douglas was an average gymnast going into the 2012 Olympics. She barely received any attention compared to other American Olympians such as Michael Phelps, Kobe Bryant and her teammate, reigning World Champion Jordyn Weber.

Before the competition for the all around gold began, Douglas was not listed amongst the top 15 favorites. In fact, she was way far from even featuring in the top 20. Weber failed to qualify for the Finals and this gave Douglas one heck of an opportunity. Guess what? Gabby Douglas won gold in both Team and Individual All-Around competitions, appears in Cereal Box covers, shook hands with President Obama like nobody’s business and is the richest 4 foot 11 inches person in America.

Ask Shaq what he did when was 4 feet 11 inches – probably doing elementary school homework?

2. Missy Franklin, Swimming

Who is Franklin’s idol? American swimming legend Natalie Coughlin. How many medals does Coughlin have in her Olympic career? Surprisingly less than what Franklin won in one Olympics at London. Funny, eh?

Franklin shook the swimming world with enough surprise to send a Tsunami across the pool in London with her 4 golds and 1 bronze. When she does hit the pool in Rio De Janeiro in 2016, fans would probably expect an 8 gold medal haul from her too.

Just remember when you last dreamt about competing next to your childhood sports hero? And now, actually bettering it in just one Olympics? Missy Franklin did it all – with her extra Colgate worthy smile.

1. Jeremy Lin, Basketball

Linsanity! Linpossible is nothing! Linson Square Garden! America – the Lin of Dreams!

Jeremy Lin brought the world to a standstill with as much festivity and adulation surrounding his name as much as any athlete would only hope for. A day before he played against the Celtics due to a Carmelo Anthony injury, Lin slept on his brother’s coach, was cut by two teams and was undrafted out of Harvard. A week later, he was racking up millions thanks to his game winning performances against the Lakers and the Raptors. And Taiwan now has an idol to compete against China’s Yao Ming.

In 2012, Youtube, Google, Yahoo and Bing must have had enough searches for Lin’s name to equal the amount the Lin’s worth now. If you’re curious, Forbes called him the 170 Million Man.