United States athletes vow to fight for top spot

The United States Olympic Committee's (USOC) media summit wrapped up on Tuesday with no bold predictions but plenty of expectations as American athletes again look to top the medals table in London. The US has led the Summer Games medal count since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and while the USOC was reluctant to put a number on their goal for the 2012 Games the target remains the same — top spot. China and Russia pose a serious threat to US domination of the medal table but American athletes made it clear throughout the three-day summit in Dallas that they will not be conceding first place without a fight. "The US will always be favourites," US women's soccer player Lauren Cheney said. "I look at the USA, not just soccer, I look at Team USA from track, gymnastics from anything. You see the American flag I feel like you get labelled a favourite. A target is always going to be on our backs. We do embrace it." Swimmer Michael Phelps, the winner of a record eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was one of the athletes who needed no introduction. Phelps is poised to once again take centre stage in London as he looks to add to his haul of 16 medals, needing just three more to move past Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina as the most successful Olympian of all-time. A secretive Phelps and long-time coach Bob Bowman were summit headliners in Dallas but refused to offer even the slightest insight into their London game plan. "Bob and I have plans and he is the only person that has really helped achieve my goals," said Phelps. "My mom doesn't even know my goals. She isn't jumping in the pool and training with me. We've been working together as a team for so long, we've never shared our goals." Despite being one of the most successful Olympians, Phelps must earn his ticket to London like every other athlete and will be part of the US swim trials in Nebraska from June 25-July 2. Athletics and gymnastics team trials will also be taking place over the same period as the US team, estimated at 525 athletes, takes shape. Pep talk The summit offered glimpses into some of the compelling storylines these athletes will write as they chase Olympic glory. Judo's Kayla Harrison, a victim of sexual abuse by a coach, Vietnam-born badminton player Howard Bach and wrestler Jordan Burroughs, who has not lost a match since 2009, are all world champions in their respective sports with inspiring narratives. Michelle Obama, who will lead the US delegation to the opening ceremony for the London Olympics, also made a brief appearance at the summit to offer athletes a pep talk and to launch a programme aimed at getting children active. "One of my happiest memories centre around watching the Olympic Games on TV when I was a little girl," the US First Lady said. "Like so many others I was awed and inspired by those athletes…I would dream that maybe one day, if I worked hard enough, I too could achieve something great."