Lochte may derail Phelps in the IM - but I would not bet on it after the 200 Back.
So then it's up to the 100 Fly, which may be close with Cavic now in the picture - but I saw Phelps going out pretty easy and still almost getting him.
So then the Medley Relay is always a lock for the US - maybe not this time:
Peirsol will probably drop another record or get close.
Hansen will have a lead - but he is not exactly Mr. Confidence right now + *** and Fly are a little scary swimming from the front.
Phelps in the Fly - not sure about Phelps in a relay. I don't think he has ever had to swim a fast relay leg. But my guess is that he will be fast - he is the man.
Lezak in the Free - maybe the best Free anchor out there
- Japan looks good until the Fly and Freestyle
- I think Russia and Great Britain have a hole in the end. France has no Backstroker
- What about the Aussies ? Maybe 0.5 sec out in the Back, then the Breaststroker as good as Hansen on paper. The Flier just dropped to a 51.2 and then it's Lezak against Sullivan.
Former Member
Flurpo: you expecting him to swim both fly and free legs? He gets 9 golds in that case!!
True, but Lezak has the fastest 100 fr split in history (46.06). The edge still goes to Lezak I think. BUT, if Crocker pulls a jerk move, maybe Lezak gives his spot on the relay to Phelps any way? Lezak didn't swim in the prelims so he would be giving up the medal entirely...
Guess whos got the fastest fly split in history after having a bad meet?
I am thinking that this might be a moot point to even discuss....they have probably already talked about this and came up with an agreement.....Crocker swam prelims.....Phelps will swim finals....
It would be "cool" if Crocker cedes his spot to Phelps like what happened in Athens.
But I would prefer even more if there is no controversy at all. I would rather have Phelps earn the spot cleanly. No one will ever have to say "but....but...but...Phelps was given the spot on the relay....."
I think Phelps would prefer that too.
I haven't seen this race this tight in my lifetime....The media is treating this like a lock for the US....It is definitely NOT a Lock. This is going to be way close, gut check time. One bad split could easily lose this.
My feeling is no matter which American places higher in the 100 fly Phelps will swim the 400 MR final and not for gamesmanship reasons on the part of Crocker if he wins---the reason TV. I think this was decided awhile ago.
On another note Lezak is looking to be very instrumental in Phelps quest for 8 golds. If it's tight with Sullivan off the 350 turn then Michael's (and NBC's) dream falls on Jason.
2012: I bet he will only swim 3 individual races and 2 relays.
100 fly, 200 fly, 200 IM
4 x 100 FR, 4 x 100 MR
Without knowing the schedule in London, I'd actually bet he does 200 fly, 200IM and 100Free. (although the 200 Back and 400 free cold be possibilities)
He really has so many options and he has said he wants to try some new events.
