Phelps eyes Olympic medal history

BEIJING, July 25 (UPI) -- Swimming

Gold medals to be awarded: 34

Dates of competition: Aug. 9-21

The spotlight will be on Michael Phelps and his attempt to win an Olympic record eight gold medals.

There will be many other stories in the pool, however, including that of 41-year-old Dara Torres. She will be taking part in her fifth Olympics. Katie Hoff is qualified for six events and will try to break the American record for most swimming medals captured by a female swimmer at one Olympics. That mark is five.

The United States won 12 gold medals and 28 medals overall in the pool four years ago, easily getting the best of rival Australia (seven golds and a total of 15).

China hopes to break through for its first Olympic swimming medal.