Phelps, Lotchte Picked For 4×100 Freestyle Relay

Michael Phelps and Ryan Locthe are two of the most well-known American Olympians and later today they will be sharing a lane at the 2012 London Olympics, Locthe and Phelps have been selected to compete alongside Nathan Adrian and Cullen Jones during the 4×100 Free Relay.

Yahoo reports that Lochte will be swimming in the anchor position. The move was a little controversial since Locthe doesn’t have much experience in the 100 freestyle, but since he just took gold over Phelps in the 400 individual medley the US team is confident that he can help the Americans close in on another gold medal.

Coach Gregg Troy said:

“He’s obviously swimming well but doesn’t have a lot of experience with the 100.”

Phelps will also be swimming in a strange position. The multi-Olympic medalist is used to leading off for the American team during the relays but this year he’ll be the second swimmer to jump into the water. Nathan Adrian will lead off for the US Team and Cullen Jones will swim third.

The Americans have two powerhouse swimmers for the 4×100 relay but they won’t be the favorite off the starting blocks. The Australian team, who will have 100 freestyle world champion James Magnussen in their corner, are the favorites to win gold at the 2012 London Olympics.

Do you think Phelps and Lochte will be able to propel the Americans to another relay win?