Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte will clash once more at the  Charlotte Ultra-Swim from May 12-15 on their way to a world titles showdown in Shanghai in July.

The meet, at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, features a first-day showdown of its own: SwimMAC Carolina's Cullen Jones and Josh Schneider will settle the argument over who between them should race the 50m free in Shanghai. 

Schneider arrived in Irvine for nationals last summer as one of the more promising young sprinters in the field but was unknowingly (to him) entered in the 100 butterfly by his former club. He failed to scratch and thus broke USA Swimming rules. The penalty: removal from his next event, which happened to be the 50 free.

He raced under protest and finished second in finals, tied with Jones in 21.97sec.

"The idea was to swim so fast they’d have to keep me on the national team. I was just trying to pump myself up,” Schneider said last year. “I went into that meet wanting to win the 50 free.”

He reacted graciously to events, noting: "For the record, I didn’t get mad and punch anything. Now, I just have to rest and heal. … There were some good things to pull away [from the experience]. Even though things were taken away, it made me appreciate how lucky I was to be given that chance. I think everything will work out." May 12 will be the next test of how things work out.

Meantime, the Charlotte meet has attracted a host of other US stars, including Natalie Coughlin, entrants no doubt wooed by the $50,000 purse provided by a sponsor, Wendy's. 

Those lucky enough to get there can buy tickets here from just $10.