The 2012 London Olympic men's swimming showdown has finally concluded with Ryan Lochte destroying Michael Phelps in the 400-meter individual medley race, taking the gold. Phelps, a two-time winner of this event, came in 4th place.

Lochte clocked in the swimming event at 4 minutes, 5.18 seconds.

"I know this is my time. I'm just going out there and having fun and doing what I do best: racing," Lochte told British TV. The American swimmer beat Phelps in the US trials and is confident of his skills to bring home more medals.

"Right after Beijing, I had a four-year plan for getting here to London," he said. "I thought I could go a lot faster. I knew I could, just because of the training I've done. That's why I knew this was going to be my year."

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.

"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 winners at the 400-meter race include Thiago Pereira of Brazil taking silver and Kosuke Hagino of Japan taking bronze.

Tags: 2012 london olympics summer swimming michael phelps ryan lochte team USA