Michael Phelps was a man on a mission Sunday night at the 2015 US National Championships, claiming yet another national title in the 200m IM and putting a scare on the world record.
With the fastest time recorded by any swimmer since he won the 200m IM at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Phelps went straight to the top of the 2015 world rankings bumping Ryan Lochte‘s winning 1:55.81 from the world championships to second.
At the touch he was a 1:54.75, 1.06 seconds faster than anyone in the world this year. The time ranks as the eighth fastest 200m IM ever recorded, knocking his 1:54.80 from the 2008 Olympic Trials in Omaha to ninth. Phelps currently owns five of the top 10 fastest times ever in the race.
Phelps was under Lochte’s world record pace for the first 150-meters, however fell short on the freestyle leg. Taking out the fly hard, Phelps was well ahead of everybody after the first 50 turning in 24.65.
With a swift backstroke leg Phelps kept pushing forward, turning in 53.14 as he continued to stay under world record pace. After his breaststroke leg Phelps was a lock for gold, turning for home and touching for gold.
When comparing Phelps’ splits to Lochte’s from worlds, the real advantage for Phelps came in the fly and backstroke. Lochte usually has the edge on the breaststroke, however this year both Lochte and Phelps were identical on the breaststroke legs.
The area where Phelps race lacked the most from recent years is the freestyle leg. Phelps slowed down a lot on the way home, splitting a 28.27.
| Swimmer | FLY | BACK | BREAST | FREE |
| Phelps 2015 | 24.65 | 28.49 | 33.34 | 28.27 |
| Lochte 2015 | 25.1 | 29.29 | 33.34 | 28.08 |
| Lochte WR | 24.89 | 28.59 | 33.03 | 27.49 |
When asked about a potential 2016 200m IM rematch with Lochte, Phelps said, “I’m looking forward to getting back in and competing with him.” Citing the breaststroke as his weakness, Phelps said he’ll be looking to improve that as the Rio Olympics approach.
Phelps is currently the only male swimmer ranked first globally in three separate events in the 2014-2015 season.
Phenomenal !!! ♥ Incredible !!! ♥ Amazing !!! ♥ The only One !!! ♥ ^_^
#Michael_Pehlps *_* ♥
Remember: 200IM done at any revelant event like Worlds or Olympics aren’t the same 200IM done somewhere else!
Agreed. Phelps was at a disadvantage with nobody to race.
It is a monster time!!!! unbelievable.
This week was the best advertisement for a performance enhancing swimsuit I have ever seen.
I know, right?!? Every single image out there has that MP logo just emblazoned across it. And its carrying on every major media outlet.
I’m sure last fall Speedo was like, “Whew, got out just in time.” And now Aqua Sphere like “$$$$$.” Sometimes loyalty pays. Not that I would have faulted them for bailing – that was a self-induced injury if ever there was one. But I’m sure they are loving them some MP this weekend.
Forget the 400 IM. However, I’ve always wanted to see what Phelps could do in the 400 free. Make it happen, Michael!
He swam it this year and lost to Ledecky 😉
Just re-watched all three races. Made me happy all over again. I am glad he got to have this moment wearing the NBAC logo.
Anyone know where we can watch a video of this race
USA Swimming channel on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts1Xpb6dfXg
The bar was significantly raised this weekend and the world was put on notice…Omaha and Rio are going to be fun to watch! Stay tuned swim fans!