Ian Thorpe wins the 200 free. Hoogie, the flying dutchmen, is second and Phelps is a close third in a new American record. Keller is fourth just ahead of Grant Hackett.
First, congratulations to Ian Thorpe. Many questioned whether he was ready to win this race, including moi. My hats off to the Australian great for showing up in very big race.
Second, Hoogie swam well. If he had better turns then he'd be champion. He should be considered the favorite in the 100.
Third, caps off to Phelps. Yes, this is the "deflationary" moment dreaded by all who saw Biondi branded a "failure" when his Spitzian quest was made mathematically impossible.
I now think that things will really turn around for the US at this meet. Peirsol has just won the 100 back and I believe tomorrow will be big day for the USA.
I see an upset and new world record in the 800 free relay as a real possiblity. I also think that Phelps will lower his world record in the 200 fly tomorrow.
Editor's Note: PLEASE identify all threads as spoilers if you are posting prior to the showing of an event on NBC!!
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Former Member
I think it's funny how everyone things that Phelps went there strictly to beat Spitz's record. Didn't you hear him before the Olympics and after he swam the 200? When they talked to him he said he only went there to win ONE and he did that. All this hype of Spitz's record is everyone else, not Phelps. He's just an amazing swimmer and it's in the back of his head I'm sure but that's not his goal in the Olympics.
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Former Member
I think it's funny how everyone things that Phelps went there strictly to beat Spitz's record. Didn't you hear him before the Olympics and after he swam the 200? When they talked to him he said he only went there to win ONE and he did that. All this hype of Spitz's record is everyone else, not Phelps. He's just an amazing swimmer and it's in the back of his head I'm sure but that's not his goal in the Olympics.