Singapore’s Joseph Schooling made history in Kazan by becoming his country’s first medal winner at a World Championships. Schooling registered a time of 50.96 to claim bronze in the men’s 100m butterfly, as well as set a new Asian record in the event.
Schooling’s electrifying swim also represents the first time an Asian swimmer dipped beneath the 51-second threshold. Up until Kazan, Kohei Kawamoto of Japan had swum the fastest time of 51.00 at the Japanese National Sports Festival in 2009. That threshold of 51-point was something on Schooling’s mind headed into the World Championships. “I wanted [my timing] to be 50-something this year. My coaches believed I could do 50… I knew that if I broke 51 I could have a good chance of a medal. I was very happy to accomplish that”, Schooling said.
However, immediately following the 100m butterfly race at worlds, a huge shadow would be cast on Kazan all the way from San Antonio, as American swimmer, Michael Phelps, threw down the world’s fastest 100m butterfly time this year, a 50.45. Of the 22-time Olympian’s incredible time, Schooling said “I’m very excited to be racing him again. There’s something about him that just really motivates me.”
The 20-year old University of Texas student-athlete continued, “Beating Michael Phelps is like not like beating someone else. You’re beating the greatest swimmer in history. Him swimming next to me will motivate me more and try to push myself to the next level. I’m looking forward to racing him again.”
Phelps currently holds the world record in the 100m butterfly event with his time of 49.82 from 2009. Putting Phelps’ performance into perspective compared to his own, however, Schooling commented, “If Phelps had posted 48 seconds and broken the world record, I honestly wouldn’t have cared – because I accomplished what I wanted to do (in Kazan). The timings are irrelevant, you know. It’s about your position. If I broke the Asian record but finished last here, it wouldn’t have mattered. It’s all about who can get their hand on the wall first, and that’s how it’ll be in Rio.”
And what does Schooling’s coach think of his young protegé’s performance? Swimming Singapore’s Head Coach, Sergio Lopez, expressed that “50.45 is not Phelps’ best time. Joseph has improved seven tenths of a second in one year. If he improves another seven tenths of a second, he breaks the world record. So Michael Phelps better get ready to swim his best time.”
So, along with South Africa’s Chad Le Clos and his now infamous “he can keep quiet now” quote, it looks as though Phelps will have swimmers gunning specifically for him from all corners of the globe in the lead-up to Rio.
MP’s 50.45 is actually his PB in a textile suit. His previious textile best was a 50.58 from the 2008 Olympics. It is amazing that at 30 MP is still improving.
A good amount of the “trash talk” is not necessarily people taking shots at Phelps. These other guys have to be optimistic for themselves and hope/train for the win, and they reflect that in their speech.
Phelps is the GOAT so victory is his for the taking. I dont think Schooling or Shields can bridge the time gaps Le Cloe and Phelps battle it out at 50.2 or 3 Remember what Phelps did to Cavic how do you bet against this guy.
I realize that I might seem mean spirited in saying this, but I think it would complete Phelps’ career to have that feeling that every other swimmer in the universe has felt: to have given it everything he has and have a perfect race but just not be good enough. I really wasn’t a fan of the comments at last Olympics the whole “yeah I could of done more to prepare so I’m cool with silver…” Whatever happens I am happy with because at least we will get the best swimmer trying to be his best this time around. Whether that’s Phelps or some other guy remains to be seen but it is exciting to see how much everyone really… Read more »
Like he did years ago with Crocker, I bet Phelps now has pictures of le Clos, Lochte, Schooling, Shields, and Cseh posted all over his house, in his locker, on his phone, bathroom mirror, taped to his refrigerator…
I don’t know about Shields. It’s a safe bet he’ll be MIA in Rio.
Phelps why don’t you retire and give up its not like you pumped out the three fastest times in the world in the same meet.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes 51 low swim, to take a medal in Rio… The pressure takes a lot of energy in the finals.
Agreed…we’ve all seen countless times where being the record holder does not guarantee gold at the Olympics. These guys are all great racers and I think it’s going to be a very exciting final regardless of time. The field will likely be separated by less than a second and we may have 3 – 5 guys all together in the closing meters. I’m so looking forward to this race next summer.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes a 51 low to final. It took a 51.51 to get out of semis at WC this year, without Phelps. Between Phelps, Le Clos, Cseh, Schooling, and another American (Shields or Conger…or Lochte) that takes up 5 spots.
Think phelps will be untouchable in this event next year. These two young men may be able to break his records after he is gone. Shields and Conger may be in the medal picture. Both have potential for big drops