It's no secret that Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte are huge rivals. Phelps is coming off the greatest individual Olympic performance in history four years ago but, after finishing off the podium on Saturday, has clearly lost a step. Lochte, meanwhile, is arguably the best swimmer in the world today and is poised for a monster Games in London.

These are two alpha dogs who probably see the other as infringing on his territory. But at the same time they're countrymen who should have each other's support. And we saw just that on Twitter after Lochte came away with the gold in their showdown in the 400-meter individual medley final on Saturday:

Congrats to @ryanlochte ... Way to keep that title in the country where it belongs!!

— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) July 28, 2012

Thanks @MichaelPhelps I couldn't do it with out you. #USA

— Ryan Lochte (@ryanlochte) July 28, 2012

They may need more Twitter-hugging after Sunday’s loss in the 4x100 relay, where Lochte was caught in the anchor leg by France and the US settled for silver.

Photos: Greg Smith-US PRESSWIRE; Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports