Michael Phelps' Greatness at 2012 London Olympics Will Steal the Show in Week 1

The greatness of American swimming superstar Michael Phelps will steal the show in Week 1 of the 2012 London Olympics this summer. 

Phelps can become the most decorated Olympian in history this coming week by winning just three more medals before he calls his Olympic career quits in 2012. The 16-time Olympic medalist has 14 golds and two bronzes in his trophy case already. 

Eight of those 14 gold medals came at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing four years ago, when he shattered Mark Spitz's Olympic record of seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Games. If Phelps' 2008 performance wasn't enough to warrant the greatest of all-time discussion, his final career medal count certainly will.

Phelps is a lock to win at least three medals in London. His only legitimate competition inside the pool will be rival Ryan Lochte, who will ultimately assist him in his medal hunt in Team USA's relay events. 

Phelps is a once-in-a-generation type of talent, and smart sports fans will understand that they are witnessing history this summer. When Phelps wins medal No. 19 he will become one of the greatest champions in all of sports history.

What makes Phelps' feat so much more remarkable is the fact that these are individual accomplishments and not the product of a collection of talent. 

Phelps' greatness began at a young age. At 15, he qualified for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and began setting world records shortly thereafter.  

The fact that Phelps is American and has been so incredibly consistent in the pool at the Olympics over the length of his career, makes him the top story at this summer's Games. 

Phelps will steal the show during the Olympics' first week and likely garner conversation well into the final week of competition in London. Phelps is already in a rare air, but he is on the cusp of unthinkable history this week.

There is no greater star to watch than Michael Phelps this summer, and you can bet the world's eyes will be fixated on him and only him in London. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more reaction to the 2012 London Olympics this summer.