Team USA Swimming: Can The Americans Top Their 2008 Olympic Performance?

Led by Michael Phelps, the U.S. national swim team figures to be among the most-watched teams in the 2012 London Olympics. The U.S. took home 31 medals in 2008 -- 12 gold, nine silver, 10 bronze -- and set 10 world records in the process.

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The U.S. should expect plenty of success in London with Phelps and Ryan Lochte returning, plus a myriad of other talented competitors, including Illinois' own Conor Dwyer, who is competing in the 400 FR and 800 Free Relay. Can the team improve on its 2008 medal total?

Swim competitions begin July 28 and run through Aug. 4. NBC will have plenty of coverage on its family of networks over the course of the games.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the 2012 London games, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics news hub.