05/08/11 15:05 CET

Sport

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Following his five gold medal win at the FINA World Championships in Shanghai last week, Ryan Lochte is the swimmer to watch in the build up to the 2012 Olympics, say sports commentators.

Until recently, the 27-year-old was seen as a runner-up to 16-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps who stunned fans at the Beijing games.

“What he (Michael Phelps) did in Beijing was just out of this world — never been done before — it was amazing,” said Lochte. “I don’t know if people can duplicate what he did or can do even better but I’ll tell you this though — I’m trying.”

Lochte’s father and coach said there is a “strong possibility” his son will duplicate Phelps’ historic eight-event programme in London next year.

More about: Gold, Sport, Swimming

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