Ledecky could steal limelight

Already an Olympic champion, the 19-year-old American distance queen is not exactly an unknown quantity but she could explode into the sporting stratosphere at the Rio Games. 

Phelps, competing in his fifth Games and the most decorated Olympian of all time, is the undisputed star heading into South America’s first Summer Games. But Ledecky could steal the spotlight, especially if she completes an ambitious programme that includes a rare 200, 400 and 800 metres golden hat-trick. 

“You can tell she is very goal oriented, and for me it brought me back to kind of what I was ,” said Phelps, who has a record Olympic haul of 22 medals, including 18 gold.