Michael Phelps crowned most tweeted athlete at London 2012

American swimming superstar Michael Phelps is the Olympian most people are tweeting about during the Games.

Phelps earned global praise, and personal tweets from Barack Obama and Pele, after becoming the most decorated athlete in Olympic history with his 19th medal.

The 27-year-old had trailed USA teammate Ryan Lochte, his archrival in the individual pool events, for Twitter love earlier in the Games.

But Phelps reclaimed top spot after making history in London, with Lochte pushed down to the bronze medal position behind Team GB's Tom Daley for Tweet-mentions.

Phelps and Lochte, meanwhile, will face off for real in the pool later today in a blockbuster final of the men's 200m individual medley.