Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte Swimming Rivalry

Michael Phelps being awesome.

In case you are wondering 'what's new in the world of swimming?' I have your answer (though I understand you likely aren't wondering)- an American rivalry featuring the internationally dominant Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.

Michael Phelps is famous for his swimming, body and, frankly his incident where he was photographed with a water pipe. Michael 'burn cruise' Phelps has a real challenger on his hands. Ryan Lochte posted the fastest qualifying time in the 200-meter freestyle at the world championships with a 1 minute, 46.34 seconds to win over Phelps and Paul Biedermann. Phelps had a time of 1:68.98.

Talk about coming in HOT.

The two appear to be embracing the challenge and each other as they are both on a first-name basis. In all the movies I've watched and all the books I've read, normally opponents don't refer to each other by their first name, unless you are the Batman or the Joker. See: Darth Vader / Luke Skywalker, Lord Voldemort and Harry Potter, William Wallace / England, Wild Thing (Rick Vaughn) / The Duke (Willie Mueller). I could go on forever. Either Phelps and Lochte are highly evolved, or the media is making something out of nothing.

Is the time of Michael Phelps over? Is Ryan Lochte the new, but sober Phelps? Will the two team up to form Team USA for the Summer Olympics next year? I hope so. Both these boys are easy on the eyes and what is more exciting than the 4x100 freestyle? The answer: the US kicking every other country's Speedo at the 4x100 freestyle. Especially when those countries wear the now-banned high-tech bodysuit - I'm looking at your Paul Biedermann of Germany.

Ryan Lochte being attractive.

Can't wait for the London Games!