U.S. Olympic Trials: Birthday Boy Michael Phelps, Tyler McGill Clear 52 to Lead 100 Fly Prelims

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OMAHA, Nebraska, June 30. MICHAEL Phelps celebrated the start of his birthday at Trials with his first sub-52 time of the year in the men's 100 fly at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials.

Phelps, in the final heat, clocked a 51.80. That swim pushed him to fourth in the world this year behind only Milorad Cavic (51.45), Chris Wright (51.67) and Laszlo Cseh (51.77). Phelps won this event in 2008, and took second to Ian Crocker in 2004. He is the two-time defending Olympic champion in the event, however, with wins in 2004 and 2008, including a touch-out triumph against Cavic to help secure his record eight Olympic gold medals.

Tyler McGill lowered his season best of 51.95 with a 51.87 to move to fifth in the world rankings. He took second in the event at summer nationals last summer after winning the bronze in the event at the 2011 World Championships. He finished fourth in the event back in 2008.

Davis Tarwater led Phelps at the turn before settling for second in the heat with a third-seeded time of 52.13. He finished third in the 200 fly at 2008 Trials before winding up fourth in the event this year. Tim Phillips (52.14) and Tom Shields (52.18) qualified fourth and fifth, while Ryan Lochte clocked a sixth-ranked time of 52.21. Eugene Godsoe (52.58) and Kyler Van Swol (52.77) rounded out the top eight.

The Semifinalists:
Michael Phelps — 51.80
Tyler McGill — 51.87
Davis Tarwater — 52.13
Tim Phillips — 52.14
Tom Shields — 52.18
Ryan Lochte — 52.21
Eugene Godsoe — 52.58
Kyler Van Swol — 52.77
Bobby Bollier — 52.92
Chris Brady — 52.97
Giles Smith — 53.03
Jacob Jarzen — 53.12
Maclin Davis — 53.14
Peter Geissinger — 53.36
Matt Ellis — 53.51
Dan Madwed — 53.52

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