REUTERS/Olympic Delivery Authority/Handout
The schedule of events for the London 2012 Olympic Games has been released. And guess where it’s kicking off? Cardiff, Wales.
Despite the big smoke winning the bid to host the Olympics back in July 2005, the games will not only begin 150 miles outside of London, but they’ll also commence a couple of days early before the Opening Ceremony on Friday July 27.
So who’s on when?
Tennis – Rafael Nadal, the world number one and Olympic Gold winner in Beijing hits the courts on Day 2, July 28. The early round matches are a perfect opportunity to see some quality tennis at a reasonable price. But as tennis players don’t consider the Olympics to be as worthy as a Grand Slam, there’s a good chance top players may pull out given it’s sandwiched between Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Having said that, Serena and Venus Williams have said they plan play in London 2012 and are keen to add an Olympic medal to their collection.
Swimming – Michael Phelps, the world’s greatest swimmer in a generation, has no plans to repeat his win of eight gold medals, but he will still be a force to reckon with in the pool. And given it’s his last Olympics, it may be worth getting tickets to see him in the final 200m butterfly on Day 5, July 31. And for those interested to see the Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe – the man with size 17 feet – make a comeback, you’ll be able to catch his 400m freestyle race on July 28, a few days before Phelps.
(More on TIME.com: How Phelps Made Swimming History)
Track and Field – If watching the world’s fastest man sparks your interest, do be sure to pencil in Day 9, Aug 4, when Usain Bolt competes in the first round of the 100m in the early heat. But to see the actual final dash, you’ll have to return to the stadium the following evening on Day 10, Aug 5 where he’ll likely fight out for every umpteenth of a second with favorites Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell.
Gymnastics – Nastia Liukin, the U.S. gymnast and defending all-around Olympic champion will be back in London after announcing a few months ago she was continuing in the sport. But Liukin will need to be in top form as she American rival Shawn Johnson is also competing. You’ll get to see them both hit the floor on Day 7, Aug 2.
(More on TIME.com: See A Brief History of Opening Ceremonies)