Ryan Lochte Beats Michael Phelps in 400 IM Trial

Ryan Lochte swims during the men's 400-meter individual medley at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials. (Mark J. Terrill)

While all the hype seems to be building around Michael Phelps' return to the Olympics, Ryan Lochte is the one who keeps beating Phelps head-to-head. At last year's world championships, it was Lochte who won five gold medals and both head-to-head races against Phelps.

After setting the world record in the 400-meter individual medley at the 2008 Olympics, Phelps stated that he was done with the grueling event. Besides Phelps, no one knew whether he would stick to his word or try to win another medal in London. It turned out Phelps decided to give the race one last shot.

This set the stage for a showdown between Lochte, Phelps, and Tyler Clary. Clary had finished second behind Lochte in last year's world championship. The three men were battling for two spots in London in the race. Into the pool they went tonight with those very spots up for grabs. Phelps built the early lead on his best stroke, the butterfly leg. When they switched to breaststroke, Lochte took the lead and didn't look back. His lead held strong to the end, beating Phelps by about a half-body length. Clary finished a distant and disappointing third.

This means that we have at least one rematch between Lochte and Phelps in London to look forward to. Phelps is looking to add to his already record 14 gold medals. The very fact that he is even participating in this grueling race shows that he was regained motivation to finish his final Olympics strong. Lochte is looking to prove himself in London. He has shown himself to be dominant at the world championships, but this is the Olympics. Will Lochte be able to take the baton of dominance from Phelps and carry it on himself? We will find out in about one month's time.