The first full day of events at the 2012 London Olympics will feature an exciting schedule. One of the main events involve a showdown between American swimmers, Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. 

Phelps and Lochte will go head to head at the 2012 London Olympics in the 400-meter individual medley. Phelps, the two-time reigning Olympics victor in the swimming event, was beaten by Lochte at US Trails last month.

Although the media has suggested a bitter rivalry between the two athletes, Lochte admits he does not count Phelps as an enemy but as a friendly competitor.

"I don't really have any enemies, so I can't really say he's my enemy," Lochte said, regarding Phelps.

"He's my competitor. Me and him have created a great rivalry, but at the same time we've created a great friendship. No matter win or lose, after the race we're still going to be friends," the swimmer continued.

Phelps has an astounding record of 14 Olympic gold medals, including eight he earned at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Phelps currently has a total of 16 medals and will need to earn 3 more of any degree to break the all-time record of Olympic medal earnings while in London. The current record-holder, Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina, holds 18 medal wins.

Phelps is expected to race in 7 games while in London. His journey to Olympic history will begin on Saturday, day 1 of the Olympic games.

Other rivalries in the swimming arena include Kosuke Kitajima against Brendan Hansen in the 100-meter breaststroke. César Cielo versus James Magnussen in the 50- and 100-meter freestyles.

Australia will go head to head with the US in the men's 400-meter freestyle relay. Rebecca Adlington versus Federica Pellegrini in the 400-meter freestyle, and Missy Franklin against Kirsty Coventry in the 200-meter backstroke, according to the New York Times. 

Tags: 2012 london olympics summer michael phelps ryan lochte swimming