Race video is courtesy of Universal Sports Network, a SwimSwam Partner.
Thanks to a partnership with Universal Sports, above we bring you the first look of the return of Michael Phelps, the Greatest Olympian of All-Time, to the competitive pool.
Phelps swam the 100 fly prelims on Thursday, April 24th, 2014 at the Mesa Grand Prix with a 52.84. That put him immediately into the top 25 in the world and gives him the top seed headed into finals, just ahead of Ryan Lochte (52.94).
Congrats MIchael!
What a wonderful champion!
I said before the meet a sub 53 would be huge and he has already done it.
I must admit I had an apprehension. 🙂
It was cool to see him smile behind the blocks before the race.
I don’t know if he will win the final but his comeback is already very successful.
MP has nothing left to prove.
He swims without any pressure now.
That makes him perhaps more dangerous than ever.
With a sprint oriented training in the next 2 years and a full focus on the 100 fly, he could surprise us again.
Earlier I called a 53.2 and he has already beaten that. Wow.
What is a “Bubble Time”? And why is it 54.66?
Jiggs, I’m assuming they meant that prior to Phelps final heat, Shield’s 54.66 was probably the 8th best time going in, the bubble for making it into finals. (Shields ended up 12th)
That was a reference to the time that was 8th at the time.
Lol David no.
This is very promising. A 52.84 in the 100 fly at his first meet in a very long time………that is a very promising time.
Ok. he is not fooling around. Sure he is having fun but he is in some serious shape again. I’m very glad to see that.
Just not sure I understand the 50 free business. Would have much rather seen him in the 100 free instead of the 50.
At his press conference he used the phrase “I’m having fun” like 15 times. I’m guessing that has something to do with the 50 free haha. Apparently the 100 free-100 fly double didn’t sound as fun to him.
Le clos won’t be able to beat phelps in rio in the 100 if he is focusing on sprinting.
David what are you talking about? 0.o Phelps still owns the 100 and 200 fly world records.
scm?
right…well they don’t swim scm at the Olympics so I think Le Clos will have to break a LCM butterfly WR or two and win gold in both 100 and 200 m fly in Rio before I think he can be proclaimed the new King of the Butterfly. Just saying…
I just love that smile. He’s standing behind the blocks and he’s just giddy to be back doing what he loves. That’s why he needs to do this, and honestly we are just so lucky we get to witness it.