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!
Parents
Former Member
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.
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.
