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Weekend poll: Will the U.S. men's basketball team be challenged in London?
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Leading off: Phelps-Lochte rivalry in spotlight today

By Tom Couzens
The Sacramento Bee
Published: Saturday, Jul. 28, 2012 - 8:39 am | Page 1C

Swimming is one of those great Olympic sports we only follow closely every four years, when once-obscure athletes become overnight sensations.

Who can forget Mark Spitz, who was trained by the late Sherm Chavoor at Arden Hills Swim Club, winning seven gold medals in Munich in 1972? Ditto for the Sacramento region's Debbie Meyer and Summer Sanders.

Michael Phelps grabbed our attention and a piece of history with six golds in Athens in 2004 and eight more in Beijing four years later. In London for his fourth Olympics, Phelps needs just three medals to break the all-time record of 18, held by gymnast Larisa Latynina (1956-1964).

If not for Phelps, fellow American Ryan Lochte might be the best swimmer in the world. Is it Lochte's turn to put his imprint in our memories forever?

Almost before we've settled in for 16 days of nearly around-the-clock TV coverage, we'll find out today when Phelps vs. Lochte, the most-hyped rivalry of these Olympics, kicks off in the 400-meter individual medley final (11:30 a.m., but it won't be broadcast until NBC's prime-time show at 8 p.m.)

Tonight's prime time

Ch. 3, 8 p.m.-midnight

• Swimming: Finals in men's and women's 400 IM, men's 400 freestyle, women's 4x100 free relay

• Gymnastics: Men's team competition

• Beach volleyball: First-round matches

For more TV listings, see Page C2; for a detailed schedule of events and complete TV listings, go to sacbee.com/olympics

Locals watch

• Chloe Sutton, Roseville, swimming: The 400 freestyle qualifications begin Sunday at 3:35 a.m. If Sutton advances, the finals are at 12:50 p.m.

• Mary Whipple, Orangevale, rowing: The veteran coxswain leads the women's 8 in heats Sunday starting at 3:50 a.m.

Weekend poll

Will the U.S. men's basketball team be challenged in London?

• No, they'll easily win the gold medal.

• Yes, but they'll still win the gold medal.

• Yes, and they won't win the gold medal.

Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports

Thursday's results

Who is your favorite point guard of the Sacramento era?

• Mike Bibby: 42%

• Bobby Hurley: 5%

• Kenny Smith: 3%

• Reggie Theus: 4%

• Jason Williams: 41%

• Other: 5%

Total votes: 903

More online

• Stories, bios and photos of area athletes competing in London

• Detailed event and TV listings

• Breaking news

• Results, medals

• Daily photo galleries

sacbee.com/olympics

© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

• Read more articles by Tom Couzens



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