The most decorated Olympian of all-time failed to qualify for the US 100m freestyle team at the National Championships on Wednesday in his first major contest since the 2012 Olympics.
Michael Phelps, who won a record 22 Olympic medals from 2004 to 2012, placed seventh in the 100m final with a time of 49.17 seconds. Seven Olympians were racing against Phelps in the pool, including Ryan Lochte who placed second with a time of 48.96 seconds.
The 29-year-old was obviously not pleased with the result stating, “It stinks I missed the first wall. It’s kind of frustrating. We’ll never know where we are in the race right now. (And) I felt really good the first 50.”
“It’s dumb,” Phelps’ coach, Bob Bowman, commented on the bad turn. “Take a year off, swim just two 100s (before this) … it’s a tall order.”
Either way, Phelps is still the most respected guy in the pool. “It’s always scary,” Olympic backstroke champion Matt Grevers said about competing against Phelps. “You can never doubt him.”
Reigning NCAA 400 IM champion Chase Kalisz commented, “No matter what event it is, he is going to bring his A game and be prepared. He knows how to get the best out of himself with whatever training he has done.”
You might be wondering why Phelps is still racing. Is it the love of the sport or is it money? The Olympian has already made millions endorsing Speedo and has just signed a new contract with Aqua Sphere that runs through the 2020 Olympics. Although he is unable to wear their bodysuit until Jan. 1 he is still training to get back into top form after taking a year long hiatus. It remains to be seen whether this comeback is motivated by personal goals or monetary rewards.
“There are always things I still want to do and achieve, and that’s part of the reason why I’m here,” Phelps said. “You (media) are not going to get what it is. You guys know me too well.”
