Lochte not just focusing on Phelps

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AIM FOR GOLD: The two swimmers look on from the pool deck whilst training at the Aquatics Centre on 25 July.

Ryan Lochte struggles to escape the spectre of Michael Phelps as their Saturday showdown at the Aquatics Centre draws closer.

Michael Phelps may have already claimed 14 Olympic titles, but it is Florida-based Ryan Lochte whose star has risen over the past couple of years culminating in his five gold medals at last year’s World Championships in Shanghai.

Two of those victories saw him edge out his fellow American. In the 200m Individual Medley, he became the first swimmer to break a long-course world record since the turbo suits were banned. He also triumphed in the 200m Freestyle.

While Phelps has dropped the latter event in London, the duo are scheduled to meet on Saturday in the 400m Individual Medley before the shorter 200m Individual Medley on August 2, the day before Lochte’s 28th birthday.

At today’s United States press conference, Lochte did his best to keep deflecting the attention away from the duel, but despite his best intentions questions led back to his compatriot.

Lochte said: “I’m not really going just to swim to beat Michael.

“Michael is just one person and there are a bunch of other swimmers across the world I have to worry about.

“I am just doing what I normally do and I am just going to go up on the blocks and race and have fun.

“If Michael’s right there with me then he is right there with me but I can’t just rely on one person.

“Back home people are talking about me and Michael – I guess that is just talk and I guess I shall just see what happens in a couple of days.”