US Olympic Swimming Team 2012: 3 Athletes Who Will Be Stars for Years to Come

Though Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte are the marquee swimmers on Team USA, they aren't the only reason Team USA might be the strongest it has been in years. 

There are a plethora of youngsters who not only will play critical roles on both the men's and women's side in London, but represent the future of American swimming.  

Missy Franklin

Franklin is the most talented swimmer on the women's Team USA roster, and has a legitimate chance to be the first American woman to win seven medals at one Olympiad. 

Currently, the 17-year-old phenom holds the world record for the 200-meter backstroke, and was a part of a record-setting 4x100 medley relay team.

The 2011 FINA Swimmer of the Year, who won five medals at last year's World Championships, will race in her first Olympics in London and clearly has the brightest future of anyone of the men or women of Team USA.

Ricky Berens

The 24-year-old Berens wouldn't necessarily be labeled as a youngster, but he's just entering the prime of his swimming career. 

He was a member of the gold medal-winning 4x200-meter relay team, and at the 2011 "Duel in the Pool" he won the 100-meter and 200-meter freestyle races. 

While Berens will be overshadowed by Phelps and Lochte, he gives Team USA an encouraging swimmer to bank on in the future. 

Allison Schmitt  

Franklin is the "Michael Phelps" of the women's team, but her 22-year-old relay partner is a vital asset and cannot be forgotten. 

She finished first in the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle at this year's Olympic trails, and will likely have at least two Olympic games in her future.

With Schmitt and Franklin, Team USA will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.  

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