American swimmer Michael Phelps and Serbian Milorad Cavic will forever be linked by the 100-meter butterfly race in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which Phelps took gold by the slimmest of margins.

Phelps and Cavic both qualified for the 100 fly final on Thursday and will square off Friday at 2:38 p.m. in the final in what Phelps -- a former University of Michigan volunteer coach and Club Wolverine member -- has said will be his final competitive individual race.

A photo finish in Beijing gave Phelps gold on his way an historic eight, while Cavic unsuccessfully protested the decision and became just as famous for his outspoken nature as his ability in the pool.

Cavic told the Detroit News that his experience as Phelps' rival changed his life. The outspoken Serb -- who completed his Olympic raining at Club Wolverine in Ann Arbor with Serbian national coach and current Michigan coach Mike Bottom -- said that he's confident in his ability, but has also learned not to underestimate Phelps, who with 20 medals (16 gold) is the most decorated athlete in Olympic history.

"I think I am in position to do something great," Cavic, said.

But, he added of Phelps, the gold medal favorite, "It is never worth underestimating that man. He is capable of anything."

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