It's probably the best story leading up to the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

At 41-years-old, swimmer Dara Torres will be the first American to compete in five Olympics.

Her first was in 1984, before 2004 gold winner Michael Phelps was even born.

She won gold in L.A. in '84 and has nine total medals.

Now she says she won't compete in the 100-meter freestyle in Beijing. The 50 free will be her only individual event.

The decision was announced Monday by USA Swimming. Torres will be replaced in the 100 free by Lacey Nymeyer, who finished third at the trials.

Torres is concerned that competing in two individual events and possibly two relays during the eight-day competition would be too hard on her body.

She won the 50 and 100 freestyles at the trials, and her last Olympic appearance was at the 2000 Sydney Games.

She's definitely one to watch.

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