Phelps v Shark: Olympic Legend To Race Great White To Kick Off 'Shark Week'

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The man considered by many to be the greatest Olympic swimmer ever will take on the water's deadliest predator in a televised race.

Michael Phelps, a 23-time gold medal winner, will swim against a Great White shark as part of Discovery Channel's popular "Shark Week" series.

While most Great Whites can swim up to 25 mph in the open water, Phelps - who holds 39 world records - has been clocked at just around 6 mph. It's not yet known what stroke Phelps will use to make up that differential.

Phelps holds the current record for the 100-meter and 200-meter butterfly.

Shark Week gets underway July 23 on Discovery Channel.

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• Michael Phelps