Beckham fails to make British Olympic team

While thousands of athletes are preparing for the upcoming Summer Games in London, one prominent sports star's Olympic dream has already ended.  David Beckham— the former England soccer team captain— has been left off Great Britain's Olympic soccer team, basically, because he is too old.

One of the most recognizable sports stars in the world, and a key player in London's winning bid for the Olympics, Beckham failed to make the 18-man squad.

Becks was on the short-list of 35 for the coveted spot but he was not selected as one of three 'over-23' players.  The team only allows space for three players over the age of 23.  The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder is 37.

"Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me, so I would have been honored to have been a part of this unique Team GB squad," Beckham said in a statement Thursday.  "Naturally, I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me and, like everyone else, I am hoping they can win the gold."

The Olympic snub could spell the end of Beckham representing his country after playing in 115 games for England.

The popular soccer star is still a favorite to light the torch at the opening ceremony in London.