ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, December 12. MICHAEL Phelps was at it again during the second night of swimming at the NBAC Christmas Meet held in Annapolis, Md.
Having vowed never to swim the 400 IM again, Phelps must have decided that it doesn't count in yards. He clocked a 3:42.53 in the event, with the following splits: 50.95, 56.10, 1:04.60 and 50.88. His lifetime best, the second fastest ever behind Tyler Clary's American record of 3:35.98, is a 3:36.26 set for Club Wolverine in 2006. According to sources at the pool, Phelps did not expend much energy on the swim tonight.
Then, in a battle with new NBAC teammate Ben Hesen in the 100 back, Phelps overtook him down the stretch to win, 46.73 to 47.55. Hesen, who is known as one of the top backstroke sprinters in the business, went out in 22.79 against Phelps' 22.94. Phelps just had too strong of a turn and finish.