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Phelps Says 200 Free ‘Doubtful’ In Father’s Day Video

On his first Father’s Day ever, 22-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps took to Facebook Live to document the special event with his fans. With fiancée Nicole Johnson and a delightfully cooing baby Boomer in the background, Phelps details how he’s taking the day to ‘just chill’ and spend some time with his little man.

With his semi-shaggy facial hair and perfectly sculpted shoulders, Phelps covers an array of topics in the 25-minute video. The comeback king’s recent workouts, Tempe weather, plan for Trials, along with several other personal and professional topics were on the table for discussion based on questions from fans.

Below the video, we’ve captured significant quotes and snippets from the GOAT headed into Omaha:

Swimming:

  • MP confirms he and his squad are in dial-down mode, saying, “We’ve been tapering for the last week or so.”
  • He says, “I don’t know what my first event will be. I don’t know if I’m going to swim the 200 free or if the 200 fly will be my first event.” Phelps reiterates his feelings on the 200 free later in the video, saying, “I might swim it [200 free], but I doubt it.”
  • In a possibly chilling preview to what he’ll throw down in Omaha, Phelps says he cranked out a ‘1:47’ (!!!) broken 200 fly in practice yesterday….and he says it so casually!
  • He reminisces on how he’s been on the USA National Team for the last 15 years and has been swimming for almost 25 years. (Reminder – Phelps turns 31 on June 30th, right during Trials).
  • “Since I came back, this [Olympic Trials] is what I’ve been looking forward to”, says Phelps. “I’m not nervous, I’m excited, pumped to compete.”
  • The definition of a steely competitor, Phelps reiterates how he posts goals “so I know why I get out of bed every day.”

Personal:

  • FYI, Phelps can rock the bed head look.
  • This weekend Nicole and Phelps were able to go out on their first date since Boomer’s birth, courtesy of sister Whitney Phelps being in town. She makes a cameo in the video towards the end.
  • Phelps comments on the heat in Tempe, saying he easily drinks at least 3L of water a day in the 115 degree heat. He says he also drinks Pedialyte for electrolyte replenishment.
  • As for pre-race meals, Phelps sticks to the basics, saying he usually eats “fruit and oatmeal or a bagel.”
  • Phelps’ love of golf and basketball comes through as he make several predictions on the U.S. Open and comments on Steph Curry.
  • He also emits his love for dogs, giving us a run-down on his Frenchie, Legend, who makes an appearance within the post.
  • Commenting on the Zika virus and its impact in Rio, Phelps says, “I’m not worried about it for me or for Nicole.” He says Boomer will be at Trials and also hopefully the Olympics, should Dad make the team.

 

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Billabong
8 years ago

The guy looks shattered. It looks like he is on a two week taper which should be long enough, to qualify in his individual events. I think that he will swim the 200 free for a relay spot, but it’s interesting to see that his schedule is in doubt. That’s a good thing. It shows that he and Bob are paying attention to his age and ability to recover after each round of racing. Good management will lead to better results.

bobo gigi
8 years ago

So now it’s clear he swims the 200 fly. Interesting.
The only question is about the 200 free prelims now.

Best wishes MP! 😎

bobo gigi
Reply to  bobo gigi
8 years ago

And the 100 free prelims. But I think he will swim the 100 free prelims.

Lopez
8 years ago

If he decided not to swim the 200 free, would he be able to swim the final of the 4×200 anyway?
He also spoke about doing 50’s on 50sec and averaging 27 “easy”, I would guess that was the broken 200: 25secs from blocks then 27+27+27= 1,47+-

Quinn
Reply to  Lopez
8 years ago

It was fly not free though

Dr.x
8 years ago

I would like to see him swim the 200free ( 1:45 Mid ) and earn the spot for Rio..
He was the best leg for the last 3 olympics for USA. And best leg in 2008 !
He should be on the team leading off the relay !

bobo gigi
Reply to  Dr.x
8 years ago

The 4X200 free relay final is after the 200 fly final in Rio.
Not easy for an “old” man.

PVSFree
Reply to  bobo gigi
8 years ago

He’s done it before and he can do it again. These swimmers at the Olympic level can swim more than one event a day

Gabrielle
Reply to  bobo gigi
8 years ago

Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m going to add “being old” into my list of excuses. I can feel I’m getting there mentally.

Quinn
Reply to  Gabrielle
8 years ago

When will you post a new one lol?

Ellie
8 years ago

My primary feeling after watching this video is that I’m worried he’s not getting enough sleep. I think it’s awesome that he’s up in the middle of the night with Boomer and Nicole. I thought for sure he and Bob would be protecting his sleep schedule this far into taper. Good on him – he’s already a good dad with his priorities in order.

Gabrielle
Reply to  Ellie
8 years ago

You should read my excuse #10 and you’ll be at peace knowing you’re not the only dreading about this particular situation.
https://staging.swimswam.com/townley-haas-olympic-trials-focus-gmm-presented-by-swimoutlet-com/#comment-426062

Quinn
Reply to  Gabrielle
8 years ago

HAHAHAHAHAHAH

G.I.N.A.
8 years ago

I don’t watch MP vids in case I am exposed to subliminal advertising & find myself buying a Rolex. So can someone answer the big question -What sort of dog?

Lazy Observer
Reply to  G.I.N.A.
8 years ago

The four-legged kind.

Cate
Reply to  G.I.N.A.
8 years ago

He doesn’t wear a Rolex so you wouldn’t have to worry about it.

MrBriefStroke
8 years ago

Team USA will have four 1:44’s for finals in Rio and will go 6:58.2. MP will lead off

SwimmerFoxJet
Reply to  MrBriefStroke
8 years ago

Maybe,

SwimmerFoxJet
8 years ago

1:43.4 leadoff relay?

Smoothswimmer
Reply to  SwimmerFoxJet
8 years ago

Affirmative!

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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