I get it, swimming isn't the most popular sport on the planet. It doesn't have the same popularity as soccer in Europe, or football in the USA. Swimming seems to be a sport where people seem to only follow right before the Olympics (unless you're a hardcore fan as myself). So for those individuals who might need some guidance, here are the three USA swimmers, in my opinion, that are worth following in Rio:
1. Michael Phelps
The first USA swimmer that comes to everyone’s mind
Already the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps will be looking to add to his medal count with three individual events (100/200 Butterfly, and the 200 Individual Medley) and a maximum of three relays (4x100 Medley Relay, 4x100 Freestyle Relay, 4x200 Freestyle Relay). For the 100 Butterfly and 200 Individual Medley, Phelps has the potential to become the first male swimmer to win these two Olympic events for four straight games. In the 200 Individual Medley, Phelps will face his biggest rival and USA teammate Ryan Lochte, who is the defending world record holder in this event.
2. Katie Ledecky
The 19-year-old freestyle demolition machine
Don't let this face fool you. Since the 2012 Olympic games, Katie Ledecky has taken the swimming world by storm. Ledecky had the recognition of being youngest American Olympian in London at 15 and won her first Olympic gold in the 800-meter freestyle. Since then, she has broken numerous world records (multiple times!) in the 400, 800, and 1500 Meter Freestyle, and is now the most dominant freestyle swimmer in the sport. In Rio, she will be competing in 200/400/800 Freestyle and swim on the 4x100 Freestyle Relay and 4x200 Freestyle Relay — look for her to win gold (and set world records) in her individual events this summer.
3. Nathan Adrian
America’s Bullet
This guy is a straight up monster in the pool. Ever since Nathan Adrian brought home a 2012 Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle, the UC Berkeley graduate has stayed dominant on the US sprinting scene. As the American Record holder in both the 50 and 100-meter freestyle, Adrian looks to defend his previous Olympic title at Rio, and contend in the 50-meter freestyle. He will also be a key part of Team USA’s 4x100 Freestyle Relay and 4x100 Medley relay.
