OMAHA — Another race, another Olympic berth for Michael Phelps.
He stayed on pace for breaking Mark Spitz’s 1972 record of seven gold medals Wednesday as he won his third race in three tries, capturing the 200 butterfly in 1:52.20, .11 off his world record from last year.
“My butterfly probably is the best this year than it ever has been,” Phelps said. “I’m not sure if I was too conservative going out or what it was but the first 100 didn’t feel like it normally does. But it secures me a spot on the team, and I think that’s the important thing.”
Phelps still has the 200 individual medley and 200 backstroke Friday and the 100 butterfly Saturday. If he qualifies in those six and races three relays, he’ll enter nine events in Beijing.
Also, Jason Lezak raced to a 47.58 to set the American record in the semis of the 100 freestyle. Elaine Breeden had the top time in the 200 butterfly semifinals in 2:07.33 and Brendan Hansen, the American record holder, had the top mark in the 200 breaststroke semis at 2:09.60.
Denverite 54th.
Rob Yeager of the Colorado Athletic Club finished 54th in the 200 breaststroke in 2:22.13. The 25-year-old former North Carolina State swimmer moved to Denver on Sept. 10 to train with Alexis Keto, who coached him at N.C. State where he was ranked sixth in the nation in 2002.
He missed the 2004 trials with torn ligaments in his ankle.
“I’ve been faster a couple of times this season,” said Yeager. “I think I just got overwhelmed by the cadence of everything. But it was fun overall.”
John Henderson, The Denver Post
