Michael Phelps will not attempt to tie his record 8 gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics. Today it was announced that Phelps would drop the 200m freestyle from his London program and focus on just 7 events. The announcement comes less than a week after Phelps barely held off countryman Ryan Lochte at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

If you’re not familiar with Lochte – I’m guilty – it is not surprising. There has been one name in swimming for the last decade, and that’s Subway spokesman and bong-enthusiast Michael Phelps. Since the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Michael Phelps has dominated in the media and the pool, tallying 14 gold medals and 2 shameful bronze medals.

Lochte, who is almost a year older than Phelps has collected 3 golds, a silver and two bronze medals while swimming in his shadow. In 2004 and 2008, Lochte and Phelps swam together in the 4 x 200m freestyle. Last Monday, Lochte beat Phelps in the 400m individual medley at the U.S. Trials. With Phelps sitting out the 200m freestyle, Lochte has a chance to up his medal count and take some of Phelps’ endorsement money.

[ESPN, Getty]