The 27-year-old from Baltimore (pictured top) made history when he won eight titles at Beijing – more than any other athlete at a single Games, breaking the record set by fellow American Mark Spitz at Munich in 1972  – to bring his overall Olympic medal haul to 16, of which 14 are gold.

Despite speculation that he would attempt  to replicate his 2008 gold-medal haul in London, Phelps has decided to reduce his schedule to the 200 and 400m individual medleys, the 100 and 200m butterfly events and three relays.

"No-one should be expected to do that twice," said Phelps' coach Bob Bowman, when discussing why his star was not doing eight events at London 2012.

"Once was enough."

Phelps booked his spot in the 47-strong United States Olympic swimming team in all seven events after a blistering performance at the US trials in Omaha that proved he is almost back to his scintillating best.

More importantly, the meet saw him come out on top in his head-to-head duel with arch-rival Ryan Lochte as Phelps won three of the four finals the pair contested together.

The Phelps and Lochte rivalry is expected to be one of highlights of London 2012, with the latter having qualified for five events and the Olympics.

In addition, the 27-year-old could compete in the relay alongside Phelps.


Phelps, who will retire after London 2012, admitted that the rivalry with Lochte is special for him.

"Neither of us wants to lose," he said.

"When we get in the water we race as hard as we can, and whether we're playing cat and mouse by the end we're going all out.

"They're fun, exciting races and Ryan has proved he's been the best over the past couple of years."

Also in the US swimming team is 17-year-old starlet Missy Franklin (pictured above), who is set to become the first American woman to swim in seven events at a Games after a superb performance at the trials.

"I can't believe I have seven events," she said.

"It's so overwhelming but so exciting at the same time."

Triple Olympic champion Natalie Coughlin, who has won the 100m backstroke at the last two Games, will form part of the women's 4x100m freestyle relay team after finishing in sixth place in the 100m freestyle final at the trials.

"Yes, it's a relief to make my third Olympic team," Coughlin said.

Beijing 200m breaststroke champion Rebecca Soni will defend her title as well as compete at the 100m distance, despite a disappointing performance at the trials.

The full US Olympic swimming team can be viewed by clicking here. 

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