Michael Phelps, winner of a record 14 Olympic gold medals, placed second in Tuesday’s 200-meter butterfly, continuing his lacklustre showing in individual events at these 2012 London Games.
Swimming At The Summer Olympics – 200 Metre Butterfly
Phelps may have tied the Olympic record with his 18th medal, but he has four more opportunities in London to break it.
This year, Phelps finished fourth in the 400-meter individual medley, but things were looking up for the 27-year-old American when he swam effectively in the 4×100 freestyle relay. In the 200-meter butterfly, he was widely predicted to triumph and take home the gold.
A Man Who had been the Best Swimmer in the World could Never Again Claim that Title.
Phelps won gold medals in the 100- and 200-meter butterfly at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. He first set a new Olympic record in the 200-meter butterfly in 2004, and then he set a new world mark in the race in 2008, with a time of 1 minute and 52 seconds. At the 2009 World Championships, he set a new record for the competition.
His 200-meter butterfly victory at both the 2010 Pan Pacific Championships and the 2011 World Championships was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult four years. When the competition on Tuesday rolled around, he was widely considered the frontrunner.
Phelps said he struggled to regain his passion and focus after the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and he acknowledged as much before this year’s competition. A swimmer who used to always respond to the call was still the subject of speculation despite his assurances that he was back and ready.
In preparation for the 2012 Olympics in London, everyone understood that Phelps had the ability to win several medals. Still, with his slow start, you have to wonder if Phelps was truly prepared for the mental and physical demands of these Olympics.
There’s still time for him to win the gold, but his play so far has been out of character.
Swimming At The Summer Olympics – 200 Metre Butterfly: Last Words
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