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!
I wouldn't count him out yet. Clearly he doesn't have the motivation he once did, but I have a feeling he'll be ready when he needs to be.I'm with you. I don't think he'll show up for 2012 trials or the games unless he intends to win. As a professional athlete with sponsor $$ behind him and a stated intention to swim in London, I think he'll be there and be in top form. He's got loads of time to get into top form for 2012. So, I think he'll be there and be as ready as possible.
As for winning multiple golds, though, I think he'll have some tough fights. Unless he chooses his events very strategically, I think he's got a strong chance of seeing some silver especially if he's head-to-head with Lochte in an IM. Lochte's got the momentum and a lot more to prove. I still say Phelps wins the flys if he swims them.
I wouldn't count him out yet. Clearly he doesn't have the motivation he once did, but I have a feeling he'll be ready when he needs to be.I'm with you. I don't think he'll show up for 2012 trials or the games unless he intends to win. As a professional athlete with sponsor $$ behind him and a stated intention to swim in London, I think he'll be there and be in top form. He's got loads of time to get into top form for 2012. So, I think he'll be there and be as ready as possible.
As for winning multiple golds, though, I think he'll have some tough fights. Unless he chooses his events very strategically, I think he's got a strong chance of seeing some silver especially if he's head-to-head with Lochte in an IM. Lochte's got the momentum and a lot more to prove. I still say Phelps wins the flys if he swims them.
