Gold medals to be awarded: 2

Dates of competition: Aug. 9-24

There are a number of Olympic sports that receive little notice in the United States, but none moreso than team handball.

It is the only sport in the Games this year where the United States has been eliminated from medal contention before things even start. Neither the American men nor women qualified for the strictly European competition.

Croatia won the men's gold medal in Athens and will be joined in the field of 12 by silver medalists Germany and bronze medalists Russia. Croatia came from 10 goals behind at halftime to defeat Germany in the Athens final 26-24. It was the second gold medal in three Olympics for Croatia.

Denmark, which won the women's gold medal in the last three Olympics, shockingly didn't make the field this year. South Korea will go into the tournament as the heavy favorite.