After what appeared to be a tormented final chapter to a brilliant swimming career, Michael Phelps returns to the pool at the US Olympic Swim Trials, which start today and run through Sunday next week, looking to pen a new happy ending.
Already with a staggering 22 Olympic medals, including 18 golds, Phelps arrives in Omaha, Nebraska, for the meet not so concerned about adding a few more podium finishes to his record haul as he is about going out on his own terms.
At the 2012 London Olympics, which he declared to be his last, Phelps won four gold and six medals, but walked away filled with the regret that he simply went through the motions rather than embrace the opportunity.
Photo: AFP
It is a mistake he does not plan to repeat on the road to Rio.
“This is my last chance to do it [right] and I want to do it the way I should have done it in 2012,” Phelps said. “I think if I were to look back 20 years later at London, I would have been disappointed in myself, that I let myself down for how I prepared. That is something I never want to live with.”
The American said he lacked fire.
“Going into 2012 was like pulling teeth, it was brutal. I could barely get to the pool. It was really hard to keep motivated going into 2012 and it is the exact opposite now. I feel like a kid again, I am happy doing what I am doing,” Phelps added.
He made his Olympic debut at the age of 15 in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, failing to win a medal, but in three Summer Games since, he has gone on to become the most decorated Olympian ever.
Now 30, married with an infant son and bidding for a berth on his fifth US Olympic team, Phelps’ Rio program is far less ambitious than in 2008 at the Beijing Games where he claimed eight golds from eight events.
In Omaha, Phelps is scheduled to swim five events: the 100m and 200m butterfly, the 200m individual medley, and the 100m and 200m freestyle.
Phelps is not expected to contend for a berth in either of the freestyle events, but is likely to attempt to post a top time in the preliminaries that would establish him as one of the four fastest in order to lock up a relay spot.
Yet once again, Phelps is to be the headliner at the week-long trials, which have sold out every session at the Century Link Center, where a portable pool has been installed inside the 13,000-seat arena.
The meeting is also to feature a glittering golden supporting cast that includes Phelps’ great rival Ryan Lochte, Missy Franklin, Katie Ledecky and Natalie Coughlin, bidding to become the most decorated US female Olympian.
Five-time Olympic gold medalist Lochte is to swim the 400m individual medley as reigning Olympic champion, plus the 100m and 200m freestyle, 200m backstroke, 100m butterfly and the 200m individual medley.
Franklin, the Olympic champion in both the 100m and 200m backstroke, is to try to secure a spot in those two events as well as 100m and 200m freestyle.
Few are likely to be busier than Ledecky, who could bid to become the first US woman to swim the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle at a single Olympics.
The 33-year-old Coughlin, tied with Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres as top US Olympic medal winner among women with 12, is to try to qualify in the 50m and 100m freestyle.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely