Michael Phelps almost outdid himself. After three lengths of the men’s 200-meter IM under World Record pace, Phelps clocked the fastest time in the globe with a 1:54.75. Although his time was just short of Ryan Lochte‘s 1:54.00 World Record, it was unquestionably fast enough to be the top time in the world this year.
Three days ago at the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Lochte swam a 1:55.81 to claim the world’s fastest time. It was short lived. Phelps busted out the first 50 meters in a lightning quick 24.65. From there, the crowd in San Antonio cheered Phelps on to a momentous and dominant win
Phelps: 24.65/28.49/33.34/28.27
This became Phelps’s third swim of the weekend to register first in the world, a truly remarkable accomplishment on his comeback trail.
Will Licon took second in 1:58.43, an impressive time for the Nitro swimmer. Travis Mahoney climbed to third in 1:59.41 to earn the bronze medal. Austin Surhoff wound up fourth with a 1:59.44. Eduardo Solaeche-Gomez earned fifth with a 1:59.81.
400 IM national champion Gunnar Bentz posted a 2:00.16 to get sixth, while Max Litchfield (2:00.93) and Ryan Harty (2:02.99) claimed the final two spots.
2015 USA Swimming Long Course Summer Nationals: Live Results – Results
Who sez, “Life DOESN’T begin @. 30?”
Bravo Mr. Phelps. Your resurgence is wonderful for US swimming. We all look to you to provide leadership to the Olympic squad next year.
Phelps slowed down a lot on the way home, splitting a 28. When asked about a potential 2016 200m IM rematch with Lochte, Phelps said, I m looking forward to getting back in and competing with him.