Making the call -- Phelps will go down in the 200 Free to Biedermann.....:bump:
Former Member
I thought Phelps was actually pretty gracious in getting silver. Just because he didn't hug it out with Biedermann over the laneline doesn't mean he's a sore loser. Emotional intensity is a prerequisite for most elite athletes (and for most people who want to be good at something). Great athletes hate to lose; why should Phelps act like it's all good when he was understandably pissed?
And as was said earlier, he gave a shout-out to Paul B. for a good race and was cool and collected by the time he spoke with Andrea. He has never publicly lashed out at Biedermann or any individuals, referring instead to the "situation" and referencing his own training and conditioning. And based on the pictures he was all smiles and handshakes on the podium.
Bowman clearly let off a little steam, but his subsequent clarification makes sense. His response was more to do with FINA still not being decisive about when a ruling goes into effect. There's a difference between, "let us know when you sort out your sh** and then we'll be ready to play" and "I'm taking my toys and going home."
Great athletes show great sportsmanship - it's part of being a great athlete. When did the sea change occur that says that great athletes are supposed to be asses when they lose? That certainly isn't being taught at our club.
2006, I think it was February.
He wasn't an ass, he was stoic for two minutes and then sportsmanlike by the time he caught his breath. He didn't pull the classic goggle throw that gets age groupers in trouble with coaches, or smack the water. He accepted his silver medal on the podium, put his arm around Biedermann, and smiled for the camera. Seems like good sportsmanship to me.
Will Phelps WR in the 200 IM of 1:54.23 go down today? I say YES. But who will it be? Ryan Lochte or Lazlo Cseh? Both went low 1:55 yesterday just crusing. This should a great race today along with the 400 IM in a couple of days.
I say yes, maybe both of them. This is going to be a great race. Go Lochte!
I cannot understand the thinking. No matter what they say it is not the swim suit that wins the race. I think Phelps just proved it.
I think too many are giving credit to the swim suit and not the swimmer.
Took 51.07 to make finals in the 100 fly. Without Crocker present. That's just crazy.
I hope Phelps has more raw speed than he has shown so far. If not, he might not even make the podium. He can't keep depending on that last 25, not with this group.
The 200 fly really may be the only WR Phelps owns after this meet. Incredible.
Phelps may be laughing all the way to the bank with his Speedo sponsorship dollars but he is in danger of losing most of his world records.
Phelps already lost the 200 free, 200 IM, and 100 fly WRs. He has a chance to reclaim the 100 fly - but Cavic's semi WR was .4 faster than Phelps WR from three weeks ago.
Bowman's whining aside - I think it is ridiculous for the best swimmer of the last 20 years to lose most of his WRs this year because of suits.
USA-S may need to create a "last chance" event in LCM this year for Phelps and a few others to taper again to put on the best possible suit for posterity sake. Speedo can't even create a "record breaker" suit for this because they probably can't get FINA to approve it.
