Phelps Entered in Seven Races; Could Win 10 Medals in Olympics

Swimmer Michael Phelps will compete in seven events at next week's U.S. Olympic swim trials, which could enable him to contend for a record 10 medals in London, according to reports.

The Baltimore Sun first reported that Phelps has a chance at 10 Olympic medals if he qualifies for the seven events and competes in all three American relays.

Phelps is expected to compete in the 200- and 400-meter individual medleys, the 100 and 200 butterflys, the 100 and 200 freestyles, and the 200 backstroke.

The 26-year-old won a record eight gold medals in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics, but could top that number in London.

It all starts next week in Omaha, Neb., though, where Phelps still has to qualify for the Olympics. Only the top two swimmers in each event qualify for the Olympics and the phenom has struggled since the 2008 Olympics to get in top shape.

Not only does Phelps have to battle head-to-head with Ryan Lochte in at least a few of the events, but he could also conceivably drop out of a few of the races. In 2008, Phelps signed up for a whopping nine individual events in the qualifying trials, but eventually dropped out of the last three, according to the Sun.

One race that Phelps could drop once he gets to Omaha is the 400-meter individual medley. Phelps has long vowed that he wouldn't race the 400 IM in this Olympics, but pressure from his coach, Bob Bowman, could lead him to swim it one last time. The issue is that it is not only the most grueling of Phelps' seven qualifying races, but it is also the first trial of the day.

If he decides to compete in the 400 IM, it could diminish his chances of qualifying in other races.