Athens 2004: Athletes to Watch

From softball pitcher Jennie Finch to swimmer Michael Phelps, meet the hottest U.S. Olympians as the Games begin in Athens. By Lucy Maher

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MICHAEL PHELPS

Sport: Swimming
The Buzz: He turned pro at 16, and at last month's U.S. Olympic trials, the 6'4", 19-year-old world-record holder (in the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medley and 200-meter butterfly) became the first American to qualify for six individual events. In Athens he'll compete in five of those races and three relays, giving him the potential to win eight gold medals – which would eclipse the record seven Mark Spitz took home in 1972.