Missy Franklin: Why She Is the Next American Swimming Star

After winning gold in her signature event, the 100-meter backstroke, Missy Franklin officially became an up-and-coming star for United States swimming.

The 17-year-old Franklin has yet to graduate high school, but that isn't stopping her from becoming a celebrity.

Franklin—who is competing in four individual events and three relays—still has time to build upon an already electrifying start to her Olympic career.

Beat Natalie Coughlin's American Record

How did Franklin make her first splash at the Olympics?

By breaking previous Olympic hero Natalie Coughlin's American record in the 100-meter backstroke. With a time of 58.85 seconds, Franklin edged out Coughlin's 2008 swim by 0.09 seconds.

The record breaking swim won her gold and the first of hopefully many medals.

It also opens the door to comparisons with Coughlin who was instrumental herself in the success of United State's swimming the last two Olympics and laid a foundation for swimmers like Franklin to succeed.

With this likely being Coughlin's last games, look for Franklin to become the face of United States women's swimming.

Her Youth

Franklin is only 17 years old! She can barely drive!

Last time American's were getting this excited about a young swimmer was back in 2004 when a 19-year-old Michael Phelps won six gold and two bronze medals in Athens.

The story of Phelps is well known, as he then went on to dominate Beijing and win the most Olympic medals ever in London.

Franklin, two years younger than Phelps at her first games, will definitely be a factor at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil and hopefully the 2020 games (location to be determined).

If she can stay committed, Franklin would only be 25 years old at the 2020 games—still relatively young for swimming.

As Franklin continues to swim well at such a young age, the comparisons to both Coughlin and Phelps will push Franklin into the spotlight as America's next great swimmer.