Mark Spitz? Michael Phelps is about to catch you. He takes his first step Sunday in Omaha.
The biggest story in this summer’s Beijing Olympics is entered in nine individual events at the Olympic Trials, meaning he may swim up to 19 races by the time the meet ends July 6. Considering he’ll likely swim three relays in Beijing as he did in the 2004 Games, Phelps’ quest to break Spitz’s 1972 mark of seven gold medals seems more probable than improbable.
“I feel we all thought it was very possible in ’04,” U.S. coach Mark Schubert said during an international conference call Wednesday. “I think we all think it’s very possible in Beijing, but I think ’04 and Melbourne showed that it still has to be done.”
Last summer at the world championships in Melbourne, Australia, Phelps won seven golds but was disqualified in one event. He already has eight Olympic medals, including six gold from Athens, and owns six world and 12 U.S. records.
He has a daunting program in Omaha: the 100, 200 and 400 freestyle, the 100 and 200 backstroke, the 100 and 200 butterfly and the 200 and 400 individual medley. The grind won’t be overwhelming. Phelps, as well as fellow Baltimore swimmer Katie Hoff, 19, who has entered in seven events, use multiple-event meets to train for major competitions. Only two swimmers qualify in each event for Beijing. However, other factors make it more difficult.
“Some of his toughest competition in some of his best events, particularly the backstroke and the fly, are going to happen at the American trials,” Schubert said. “The American trials will give us a good snapshot of his initial competition within this country, and he should be aware of every lane.”
Phelps won’t enter all nine events in Beijing. Part of it is to keep the archrival Australians guessing. He may swim the 400 freestyle for training and the 100 free for a possible spot on the 400 relay team.
Speedo, one of Phelps’ many sponsors, is offering $1 million if he just matches Spitz’s record. Phelps has no intention of tying.
“I don’t think anything is too high,” he said in April. “The only way to limit yourself is if you limit yourself. (Coach) Bob (Bowman) has really helped me understand that the sky is the limit. The more you use your imagination, the further you’ll go.”
He’s also a very mature 22. A DUI after Athens grounded him, and he says he’s more equipped to handle success and attention than ever before. Keep in mind he won six gold in Athens walking in blind.
“After everything I’ve been through the last four years, I think it’ll help me prepare a little bit better for these Games and understand what’s going to happen,” Phelps said. “Before Athens, I was a deer in the headlights. I didn’t know what to expect.”
While Phelps will be the king of the trials, the queen may be a 41-year-old divorced mom. Dara Torres is not only seeking her fifth Olympic team — she’s favored. She has the nation’s top time in the 50 free and has four Olympic relay gold medals dating to 1984.
Huey Lewis & the News is no longer around, but Torres is.
“I’ve always felt swimming is more like track and field, where your best performances are in your late 20s and early 30s,” Schubert said. “Dara Torres redefines that. If we’re never unfit, we can be successful well into our 40s.”
Schubert said some events will leave home a third-place finisher who could have medaled, including the women’s 200 individual medley, in which Natalie Coughlin broke the American record three weeks ago.
John Henderson: 303-954-1299 or jhenderson@denverpost.com
Story lines
Five to watch at U.S. Swimming Trials, which begin Sunday in Omaha:
1. Michael Phelps
He’s entered in nine individual events, and some of his best competition in the world will be in Omaha.
2. World records
A total of 38 have been set around the world this year with Speedo’s LZR suit alone. How many will the U.S. break?
3. Dara Torres
She’s 41 and a mom, but she is still the fastest female swimmer in the U.S. and is favored to make her fifth Olympic team.
4. Men’s backstroke
0.33 seconds in the 200-meter back separates world- record holder Ryan Lochte (1:54.32), Aaron Peirsol and Phelps; only two go to Beijing.
5. Omaha’s pool
A temporary pool has been set up in the Qwest Center, and swimmers say it’s very fast.
John Henderson
Area swimmers in Olympic trials
Bryan Avery, Air Force Academy: 100-meter butterfly
Justin Day, Air Force Academy: 100 breaststroke
Ben Gunn, Air Force Academy: 100 butterfly
Rob Yeager, Colorado Athletic Club: 200 breaststroke
Missy Franklin, Colorado Stars: 200 individual medley, 100 freestyle, 50 freestyle
Susan von der Lippe, Loveland Swim Club: 100 butterfly, 100 breaststroke
Marty Wahle, Loveland Swim Club: 200 backstroke
Bonnie Brandon, Mission Aurora Colo.: 200 backstroke
Katie Johnson, North Jeffco Swim Team: 200 breaststroke
Kristen Lahey, RallySport Aquatic Club: 100 backstroke
Madeline Rovira, RallySport Aquatic Club: 100 freestyle
Ellie Freeman, U. of Denver Hilltoppers: 200 breaststroke, 100 breaststroke
Kelsey Totura, U. of Denver Hilltoppers: 200 backstroke
Andre Blyth, unattached: 100 butterfly, 200 butterfly
