Going for the gold in prime time

By Deanna Barnert
Special to MSN TV

Nothing unites Americans like the Olympics, and a handful of star athletes have ridden that fervor on to prime time. We're not just talking "Dancing With the Stars" contenders like Natalie Coughlin and Maurice Greene, who didn't parlay their fight for the disco ball into a TV career. We're talking about athletes who clearly have an eye on making the most of their celebrity and showing off their acting chops. Ice skaters and gymnasts lead the charge, but you'll also find a familiar decathlon king, a swim legend and a dancing speed skater in this roundup of Olympians who have found a place on TV.

Bing: Olympians on TV | 2012 London Summer Olympics

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The 2012 Summer Olympics in London begin Friday, July 27, on NBC.

(ABC)