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.
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Our media sure seems to have a warped sense of success and failure:
Phelps at 19 years of age – 2 Olympic individual final, 2 American Records (1 World Record), 2 personal bests, 2 Olympic medals. This is a world class success in my book.
I wonder how many members of the media, reporting on this failure, have won Pulitzer’s for their first 2 published articles.
Our media sure seems to have a warped sense of success and failure:
Phelps at 19 years of age – 2 Olympic individual final, 2 American Records (1 World Record), 2 personal bests, 2 Olympic medals. This is a world class success in my book.
I wonder how many members of the media, reporting on this failure, have won Pulitzer’s for their first 2 published articles.
