Missy Franklin of the United States stretches during a training session ahead of the London Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre in Olympic Park. (Clive Rose / Getty Images)
Missy Franklin from Centennial, Colo., practices at the Aquatics Centre at Olympic Park in London. Big things are expected of the 17-year-old U.S. swimming star as she competes in her first Olympics with her eyes set on gold. (Michael Sohn / Associated Press)
During a training session in London, Missy Franklin balances a bottle on her forehead. (Barbara Walton / EPA)
Michael Phelps and Missy Franklin receive Omega High Point awards, given to top swimmers during the closing ceremony of the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb. (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)
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Missy Franklin swims to victory in the women’s 200-meter backstroke final at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb., held June 25 to July 2. (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)
Missy Franklin competes in the second semifinal heat of the women’s 100-meter backstroke during day two of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
Missy Franklin celebrates after she won the championship final of the women’s 100-meter backstroke on the third day of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
Missy Franklin competes in preliminary heat 19 of the women’s 200-meter backstroke during day six of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
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Missy Franklin is interviewed in New York’s Times Square during U.S. Olympic Team festivities. With Michael Phelps headed for retirement after the London Olympics, the United States will be in need of its next big star in the pool. The swimmer from Colorado with the can’t-miss smile (now braces free), maturity and charisma seems more than capable of answering the call. (Richard Drew / Associated Press)
