2012 London Olympics: Michael Phelps Close To Rewriting History Again For USA Swimming

With eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Michael Phelps had what, most would argue, was the most successful Olympic games by any individual athlete ever. Now the Baltimore-native is just three medals away from becoming the most decorated athlete in the history of the games.

Not three gold medals away, but just any three medals in the seven events in which Phelps will compete in. At 16 career medals, it seems a given that the 27-year old will be able to earn the medals necessary to surpass the all-time leader in medals, Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina.

Different this time around is the competition Phelps is sure to receive from his USA teammates, particularly Ryan Lochte who has defeated Phelps several times in competition since the 2008 Olympics. All eyes will be on both swimmers when they swim the 200 individual medley, in which they have had especially close races.

Phelps is eligible to compete in the men's 100m fly, 200m fly, 200m IM, 400m IM, 200m freestyle, and all three relay events.

For more information and coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, stay tuned to this StoryStream or go visit SBNation.com.