The camera cutaways have become almost as commonplace as the two top swimmers' knack for hauling in medals.

First, there are always the riveting images of Michael Phelps or Ryan Lochte plowing through the water. And then come the shots of their moms' reactions.

Debbie Phelps and Ike Lochte have been getting plenty of television time, cheering on Phelps and Lochte during their medal-winning performances at the London Olympics.

Debbie Phelps came into this Olympics with much media experience. After all, her 27-year-old son is competing in his fourth and last games before retiring. But it wasn't until returning from Beijing four years ago, when Phelps won a record eight gold medals, that she realized the impact all that TV time had in the United States.

— Beth Harris — Twitter http://twitter.com/bethharrisap

___

EDITOR'S NOTE — "Eyes on London" shows you the Olympics through the eyes of Associated Press journalists across the 2012 Olympic city and around the world. Follow them on Twitter where available with the handles listed after each item.