What a race! Ryan Lochte went out really fast, clearing a body length lead into the breaststroke.Michael Phelps has always been a back half swimmer, despite his breaststroke being his worst of the four strokes. It came down to the final 25 meters as Phelps was gaining quickly on Lochte. At the touch, it was Ryan Lochte with the second fastest time in the world at 1:56.50. Michael Phelps was just behind him at 1:56.55. Tyler Clary finished third at 1:57.94, and Conor Dwyer was fourth with his time of 1:58.03.
Chase Kaliz finished fifth with his time of 1:58.85 and Josh Prenot was sixth at 1:59.09. Kyle Whitaker and Tynan Stewart were 7th and 8th at 1:59.44 and 2:01.25.
Gunnar Bentz brought it home under 28 seconds to win the B-final of the men’s 200 IM at 1:59.19. Max Williamson was second at 2:00.12.
Jay Litherland won a close race in the C-final of the men’s 200 IM with his time of 2:01.95.
Nobody could say Phelps ever had a National title/spot on an international team given to him that he didn’t deserve! With the exception of the 200 fly (although at the start of his career Olympic gold and World medalist Tom Malchow was his teammate in that event), he has always had at LEAST one of the very best athletes in the world from the US to compete against for titles/teams:
In the IM’s he’s had to fight off Eric Vendt and Ryan Lochte, both multiple Olympic medalists and one time WR breakers, not to mention Tyler Clary and Eric Shanteau who both won IM World Champ’s medals when given a chance.
In the 100 fly he’s had Ian Crocker (WR… Read more »
The field is deep.. but on 200 IM.. apart from Locthe/Phelps I do not add the others as medal challengers with a field adding Hagino Pereira. On 100 fly the top 3 are medal contenders for sure, Ellis can make a surprise in the future..100 back is strong.. but apart from Greevers the others will probably need to show a 52 swim to medal..
I would say 100 fly is now the strongest event of US swimming (Male and Female) not 100 back anymore..
I agree, based on current rankings/ the results of this meet; however, history tells us that Plummer and Thoman can be faster and compete well under pressure, and we don’t really know what Murphy can do yet ( not including Phelps/ Lochte, because I don’t think they’ll pursue this event further, this year at least). We might have a different evaluation at the end of the season!
Lochte and Phelps had to be competing with their shoe ware. Lochte with his “fantasy wing” and Phelps with his “stunning” hot red shoes!
That was a fantastic race with Lochte and Phelps. I am proud of them both, it’s good to see Phelps so happy and determined. Even through his previous losses and frustrations at Nationals he’s prepared to do what it takes to come out on top and I can see how committed he is. I can’t believe some people on here have felt he was repeatedly making excuses or felt we were giving him too much credit. No, he’s actually been really optimistic and honest with his faults, remaining driven because he’s doing this for himself and is completely ready to work. I’m really excited for Pan Pacs 😀
He knows what to improve ! he had a great 100 fly , 100 back and amazing 200 IM with upsets here and there . Upsets are the fuel to get better in details or overall . He will be fine for Pan Pacs , i am sure .
That was a good honest interview with a lot of perspective. I like the way he looks to be committing to doing the extra work. I hope that he drops the 100 back and 200 free, and just concentrates on events that he can win at the Worlds. I also hope that Bob Bowman doesn’t just up the mileage on him, risking injury or a breakdown. That’s a very difficult call to make, and BB is probably the right guy to make it.