Michael Phelps Schedule: Toughest Events for Swimming Superstar

Michael Phelps is going to have a much harder time at the 2012 London Games then he did in the 2008 Olympics. 

Phelps is going to win his share of gold, and it is not out of the question that he could win all of the seven events he is scheduled to compete in; but he is going to be heavily tested often. 

These three events will be the biggest challenge for the swimming legend. 

400-meter Individual Medley: Event Final on Saturday, July 28 

This is set to be a big showdown between Phelps and fellow American Ryan Lochte. Phelps is the world record holder in the event, but this is not his favorite event.

He hasn't competed in it in the past two world championships, and Lochte destroyed him by more than three quarters of a second at the U.S. Swim Trials. 

It is a big stretch to think he can make up that much time in London. 

4 x 100-meter Freestyle Relay: Event Final on Sunday, July 29

This is going to be one of the highlight events at the games. Phelps will likely compete in this final with Lochte, Nathan Adrian and Cullen Jones to try and defend their Olympic gold. 

However, they face an uphill battle to do that. The Australian team is absolutely loaded with sprinters. It is going to take great swims by each American to conquer Australia. 

200-meter Individual Medley: Event Final on Thursday, Aug. 2 

This race should be the second and final showdown between Phelps and Lochte at these games, and it should be the more hotly contested of the two. 

Lochte beat Phelps in this event at the 2011 World Championships, but Phelps returned the favor by edging Lochte at the U.S. Swimming Trials.  

This is going to be a fun race, and it likely will be decided by a fingertip.