Olympics Swimming 2012: Medal Predictions for Every Relay

The Olympics are just a few days away. The Swimming competition looks to be a very tough one this year.

Don’t expect Michael Phelps to match his total of eight gold medals in Beijing. However, do expect each country to come firing at the gate.

The swimming relays provide drama and excitement for fans.

Each country represented in these relays would love the gold. They will do whatever it takes to win their matches.

However, history shows the United States dominating these swimming events. Will they win a majority of these relay races?

Let’s take a look at each relay and predictions.

Women’s 4x100 Freestyle Relay

The Netherlands took this event in Beijing, and they are set to stand their ground in London.

However, two teams will emerge strong from the gate. The Untied States shouldn’t be happy their streak ended in 2004. They will be determined to win.

Australia lost in Beijing attempting to defend their 2004 victory. The Netherlands ended their chances, and Australia should have revenge on their mind.

Expect Australia to regain their position with the gold, while the United States and the Netherlands will follow respectively.

Prediction

Gold: Australia

Silver: United States

Bronze: Netherlands

Men’s 4x100 Freestyle Relay

The United States bounced back from disappointing 2000 and 2004 relay performances with arguably the best relay ever in 2008.

Who could forget Jason Lezak outstretching France’s Alan Bernard by a fingertip to take the gold?

Can they recreate the same magic again in London? It could be exciting, but it won’t be determined by one finger.

France will be motivated to not let that happen again, but they have to fend off others as well.

The US will have trouble retaining their gold this year. Plus, Great Britain would not want to let down the home crowd with their entry in this series.

Expect the US to hold on and Great Britain to take Silver. France will be stuck with the Bronze.

Prediction

Gold: United States

Silver: Great Britain

Bronze: France

Women’s 4x200 Freestyle Relay

Australia took last year’s contest in a seven second lead over China.

They barely held back China and the United States. Don’t expect that to happen.

The US has won all of these events since its inception in 1996. 2004 marked the first loss for the women’s team in this event.

Expect the US to get back on track and win this event. Australia will come second. Denmark, a dark horse, will take third place.

Prediction

Gold: United States

Silver: Australia

Bronze: Denmark

Men’s 4x200 Freestyle Relay

The US has won this event in back-to-back Olympics since 2004.

2008’s event showed the United States dominating this event with a five second victory over Russia. Expect Russia to come out strong, but they won’t prevail.

Great Britain will be motivated not to lose in front of their home brethren, especially if they lose the first team event.

They will take the gold and end the States’ chances for a three-peat. Russia will take the bronze.

Prediction

Gold: Great Britain

Silver: United States

Bronze: Russia

Women’s 4x100 Medley Relay

Australia ended the US Women’s Team’s dominance in 2004 and also won 2008’s race as well.

They have a chance to three-peat at London, and expect them to do so.

Clearly the favorites in this matchup, Australia can dominate this event. However, they won 2008’s event by less than a second.

The US will provide a stronger test than 2008. But the result will be the same.

Australia will win their third gold medal and become a three-peat champion in the 4x100 relay race. US will have to settle for second again, while home town favorite Great Britain will take the bronze.

Prediction

Gold: Australia

Silver: United States

Bronze: Great Britain 

Men’s 4x100 Medley Relay

The US managed to take this event as well last year, continuing their dominance since 1984.

They barely held on to their streak with a half-second finish over Australia in Beijing. Can they hold on and continue winning this event?

No matter whom they put on, expect the US to continue winning the medley relay. Australia will come back strong, but they won’t have enough. Expect Australia and Great Britain to take the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Prediction

Gold: United States

Silver: Australia

Bronze: Great Britain