2016 U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS
- Sunday, June 26 – Sunday, July 3, 2016
- CenturyLink Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- SwimSwam Preview Links and Schedule
- Psych Sheets
- NBC Broadcast Schedule
- Day Seven Finals Live Recap
Michael Phelps became the only man on the U.S. Olympic team to qualify in three individual events, by virtue of a .20 second win over Tom Shields Saturday night in Omaha. After the race, Phelps held a lengthy press conference with the media. You can watch the whole video above, but here are a few snippets:
Phelps on swimming out of lane 7 in this race:
Seven. Who is counting though? I was in seven. I’ve never been out there, and I don’t want to be out there again. That wasn’t fun being out there in that lane.
He discussed when he felt the most emotional this week:
I think I was the most emotional after the 400 IM, to watch, it was kind of like my younger brother winning! And then I felt some of those emotions today as well walking into the venue today. I started thinking about this is my last American soil race ever, and I said to Bob before I went out there, I said, there is not a chance that I’m losing my last race on American soil.
Asked about his future:
I honestly — I can’t answer that question now. One of the biggest things, I would obviously like more kids to be water safe. I think that’s something that the Foundation is doing a phenomenal job with. Seeing that grow and grow more and more over the years. And the national competitive level, I don’t know; I think that’s something that my mind will have to figure out over the next couple of months. A new goal. Peter and I have worked well together, and I think the opportunities are endless of what we can do to continue to grow this sport.
I have two observations. Firstly MP has done so much to advance the sport. He should be very proud of his contribution, which has been massive. My second observation is that he seems very frustrated with his current form, especially because he has worked so much harder this year. All of “The Magic” is going to be in that final taper…….the last gift he will get from his incredible coach.
When asked, What are you most proud of in your career, MP answers: All the people in the stands! I like that answer, and I agree that he has popularized and increased the attention given to the sport of swimming. Hopefully that will be his lasting legacy!
Interesting that he’s never been voted team captain. Seems like his team mates votes recognize a distinction between being the fastest and leadership. Based on post raced interviews (not the best criteria) would like to see Adrian elected captain.
I think it makes sense that he has never been captain. In 2000 he was a newbie. In 2004 and 2008 my understanding is that he didn’t invest in knowing his teammates because he was so focused on his own goals (and maybe not comfortable with peers). In 2012 he might have been friendlier, but still probably was mostly focused on himself.
This might be the first year when he is actually focused on cultivating others in balance with his personal ambitions, but given that he doesn’t have that history of interpersonal leadership, I think Adrian or someone else does seem more likely.