Missy Franklin: Teen Sensation Is Real Team USA Swimmer to Watch

When you think of American swimmers, odds are you begin to talk about Michael Phelps.

If you watched some of the Olympic Trials, then maybe Ryan Lochte comes to mind as well.  

As for the women’s side, with Natalie Coughlin only participating in the 400x100-meter freestyle relay event, there isn’t one big name that is established and competing in multiple events.

Meet Missy Franklin.

The 17-year-old will be competing in seven events, and four of them will be individual.

The Centennial, CO high school senior holds the most opportunities to win a medal for the United States women, and seven events is the same amount as Phelps.

She has a terrific head on her shoulders, and seems to somehow have a grasp of the moment despite still having a year of math homework in high school ahead of her (via Washington Post):

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“I am the luckiest girl in the world. I learned that if I just keep a positive mental attitude that I can go out there and do whatever I hope I can do. It’s all mental in getting out there, and having confidence in myself, and having strength and knowing I can do it.”

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So why hasn’t the majority of America heard about Franklin yet?

Because she has turned down sponsorship money to ensure her college eligibility is not lost. While there is no way of knowing if nerves will take over once she gets into the pool, all signs indicate Franklin has a very level-headed approach to swimming and is confident in her natural abilities.

And she should be.

"The Missile" broke the American record in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke, and holds the world record in the latter.

She moves with ease in the pool and has a legitimate shot to medal in each of the seven events at London.

With so much action on her plate there is no question America will become extremely familiar with Franklin by the time swimming events are in the books. 

She is the future of the sport in the U.S, and Franklin has a real opportunity to become a household name by mid-August as Phelps fades to black.

Be prepared to hear Missy Franklin’s story more than a few times in the coming days. She is a star in the making.

Follow Eric Ball on Twitter.