US Olympic Trials 2012: Best Bets for Next Big Rivalry After Phelps-Lochte

The rivalry between Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte is coming to a close.

Although both swimmers remain two of the best in the world today, time is of the essence as each are nearing age 30. Therefore, America and the rest of the global swimming community have to begin preparing for the next wave of elite athletes in the sport.

Let's look at the best potential rivalries on the rise before the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Bobby Bollier vs. Tyler Clary

Right now Bobby Bollier and Tyler Clary only faced one another in the 200-meter butterfly. Still, both qualified for the final (Clary too second, Bollier third) and are among two of the best after Phelps and Lochte in U.S. men's swimming.

Also, both are just in their early-20s, so a lot of competing is on the way. We have to expect that Bollier will expand his repertoire before the 2016 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials, thus increasing his odds at making Team USA in Rio.

Clary already races in multiple events, is the older of the two and has proven the ability to keep pace among the best in previous competitions. Bollier saw much success in other events while swimming at Stanford, so anticipate these two squaring off quite a bit in the immediate future.

Missy Franklin vs. Allison Schmitt

Although there may be a five-year gap between Missy Franklin and Allison Schmitt, the two swimmers will be seeing a lot of one another down the road.

Franklin may only be 17 years old, but she set the American 100 backstroke record during the trials. Schmitt on the other hand, is 22 years old and was 2011 World Championships gold medalist as part of the 4x200 relay team.

Both swimmers made the 200 freestyle finals at the trials and are seeded in the top five for the 100 free. As Franklin gains more experience, much like we can with Bollier, expect her to compete in more events.

The most impressive part about Franklin and Schmitt however, is that neither have yet to hit their prime form.

Conor Dwyer vs. Michael Kleuth

These two swimmers finished second and third in the 400 free to the veteran, Peter Vanderkaay. Fortunately for Conor Dwyer and Michael Kleuth, Vanderkaay is 28 and his time is limited.

Well, Dwyer got the best of Kleuth at the trials by taking second and heading to London in the 400 free. During the 200 free Dwyer and Kleuth each made the finals, but Phelps and Lochte stole the show.

Therefore, look for these two to be at the forefront of that event among others, after the 2012 Olympics and when it comes time for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.

For as much potential as each of these rivalries possesses, it will be hard to match the intensity of Phelps-Lochte. Nevertheless, that's also the motivation for each swimmer to cement their own legacy. 

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