Michael Phelps, what's up with all the scratching?
Former Member
Mike Gustafson blogs
Disappointment reigns once again.
I say “once again” because scratching from swim meets is becoming a trend for our sport’s greatest. Say what you will about sporting superstars like Brett Farve, but the guy shows up. By my own count, Phelps has scratched three Grand Prix events in 2010. Columbus, Missouri (though that was due to weather) and now Minnesota.
And he hasn’t just scratched meets. He’s scratched individual races. Remember the Pan Pacs 200 IM? When the world expected an epic rematch against IMing rival Ryan Lochte? He scratched the morning of – no injury, no sickness.
There's also another take on this at Universal Sports.
So, what's up? It's all very disappointing. Maybe he's just getting bored. I know he's said London will be his swan song, but he might even be well advised to retire before that- he wouldn't want to take his final bow after having been beaten to the gold by guys like Clary or Lochte. Or heaven forbid, Cavic!
Alot of people in Masters Swimming enter as many events as they can, but then scratch events based on their relative readiness to swim the events based on physical, mental or time between events at the particular meet. As most Masters meets are timed finals anyway, no huge foul.
At the elite level of Phelps, however, this seems a little cheesy. Especially if there are limitations to numbers of swimmers for prelims.
I think that he is too busy with golf.
Overall, if he wants to scratch, so be it. He doesn't need to prove anything at this point in his swimming career. Maybe he needs another break from the sport.
As a professional swimmer with lots of contractual obligations, it appears Phelps is having to travel and spend a lot of time away from the pool and his normal workout routine.
Maybe he plans to swim so few events in 2011 and 2012, he believes he can start his training later this year and be ready when the time comes.
Having said that, it does appear his heart isn't in it like it was prior to 2008. Lately, he seems to be more interested in golf and poker than swimming.
Are we seeing signs of a possible early retirement? I wouldn't be at all surprised.
I'm just glad to hear that you're talking about that kind of scratching. When I read the title, I had this mental image of Michael Phelps getting on the block and furiously scratching at his groin area instead of his typical arm swinging.
I think he has lost a lot of motivation
in london 2012
200 IM --> lochte will kick his ass
200 free --> lochte, I don't know what happened to biderman
100 fly --> he can win it, I haven't seen cavic times this year
200 --> he owns that race
relays --> who knows
