Olympics Swimming 2012: United States Will Win Gold in Men's 4x100m Medley Relay

The United States has been a force in the swimming events throughout the London Games and will continue that dominance with a gold medal in the men's 4x100-meter relay final.

Team USA currently boasts an astounding 28 medals in the pool so far.

Even if you combine the totals earned by the next three nations on the leaderboard, it still wouldn't be enough to overtake the U.S. medal lead.

The nation's relay team for the preliminary heats was made up of Eric Shanteau, Nick Thoman, Tyler McGill and 50-meter freestyle silver medalist Cullen Jones.

Despite having its least accomplished swimmers in the heats, Team USA qualified for the finals with the best time, finishing almost a full second ahead of Japan who placed second.

While that may not seem like a whole lot of time to spare for the Americans, in a race that concludes around the three-and-a-half minute mark, it's a good time gap to have for the leader.

Those American swimmers will now make way for the closers in the finals, which will feature Michael Phelps, Matt Grevers, Nathan Adrian and Brendan Hansen. All of these men have already added at least one London medal to their trophy room and will have one more after this final.

Phelps alone ensures the U.S. will be favored heading into the event and it helps to have history on the nation's side.

Throwing out the boycotted 1980 Moscow Games, the Americans have won the 4x100-meter relay every single Summer Games since the event was added.

That gives Team USA the talent and historical edge over its opponents. Though Japan could challenge for the gold medal with Irie Ryosuke leading the way, it seems unlikely that scenario will take place.

Ryosuke has earned two of Japan's five medals in the male swimming events, Phelps has put together a historic Olympics and will be riding that momentum into this event. His butterfly leg should allow the Americans to gather a hefty lead over their opponents, giving this team a nice cushion overall.

While the Olympics can be unpredictable and the favorites do not always win each competition, don't be betting against this star-studded U.S. team if you're the gambling type.