Olympics swimming: Five athletes to watch

Team USA and Team Australia traditionally dominate in the pool, and London should see a renewal of that rivalry. But there are also a few surprises:

- Mark Sappenfield, Staff writer

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Member of US national Olympic swimming team Missy Franklin attends a news conference after a training session for the London 2012 Olympics in Bellerive, France Saturday. (Robert Pratta/REUTERS)

3. Missy Franklin, USA

Missy Franklin is, in essence, the Phelps of these Olympics.

Of course, Phelps could win another seven medals, but that's old news. Franklin, too, could win seven medals – and she's just 17. If she can manage it, she would be the first American woman to do it. None has ever won more than six in a single Games.

It's a tall order. She's a favorite in her two backstroke events, and the US always hopes to medal in each of the three relays – leaving the 100-meter and 200-meter freestyle as her wildcards. If Franklin succeeds, she might singlehandedly relegate the Phelps-Lochte showdown to the swimming undercard, which would be no small achievement in itself.