Newcomers pushing out veterans at US Olympic swim trials

(Photo: The Associated Press)OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The United States is assembling an Olympic swimming team that Michael Phelps hardly recognizes.

Nearly halfway through the eight-day trials, the team bound for Rio de Janeiro next month has as many as 17 first-timers. Left in their wake so far are such stalwarts as Missy Franklin, Natalie Coughlin, Matt Grevers, Tyler Clary and Jessica Hardy.

Phelps, who turns 31 on Friday, and teenager Katie Ledecky appear to be the only sure things at a meet described by Phelps as more pressure-packed than the Olympics. "It's harder here," he said.

No one is finding it tougher than Franklin.

Four years ago, she was a bubbly teenager who became a star at the…