Men's 400 Freestyle Relay

South Africa is the defending Olympic Champion in this event, they have some tall fast sprinters. Roland Schoeman and Ryk Neethling are their two most famous swimmers in the 100 Free, but Ferns and Townsend are no slouches.

Despite the history from Athens, the USA figures to be on the podium and perhaps golden. America has a lot of choices on how to build this relay team. Phelps will be on as part of his 8 gold quest. Garret Weber-Gale and Jason Lezak will no doubt be on the team as well, being the two fastest men in the 100 Free at trials. From there, the states have almost too many choices. Ben Wildman-Tobriner is in Beijing to compete in the 50 Free, Cullen Jones has burst onto the sprint scene and could be on the relay in finals. Additionally, Ryan Lochte is a logical choice but I would expect him more likely in 800 Free relay.

France however might be the favorite for gold. They are stacked with sprinters from Alain Bernard (current WR holder in the 100 Free), and 3 other guys that all go 48.5 or faster, names like Amaury Levaux, Fabien Gilot and Fred Bousquet will make this one fast relay tonight.

I would be remise to not mention Australia anytime there is a relay race. I suspect Eamon Sullivan, their star sprinter, will be swimming the anchor leg. Seeing that Sullivan swam a 47.52 in trials, if the race is close when his leg starts, watch out!

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