Story highlights Shark Week starts in July

Phelps will appear in two programs

(CNN) Michael Phelps is fast, but can he outswim a shark?

The Olympian will help kick off Discovery's Shark Week in July.

"He is our greatest champion to ever get in the water: Michael Phelps. 39 world records. 23 Olympic golds. But he has one competition left to win," a news release from the network reads. "An event so monumental no one has ever attempted it before. The world's most decorated athlete takes on the ocean's most efficient predator: Phelps V Shark -- the race is on!"

The eight-day marathon of all things sharks begins July 23.

JUST WATCHED Shark sees a camera and then ... Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Shark sees a camera and then ... 01:33

Celebrating its 29th anniversary, the very popular Shark Week will for the first time be airing during the same week on Discovery Channel in more than 220 countries and territories.

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