Michael Phelps - still the most exciting swim athlete to keep an eye on in this or any other relevant swim competition now or in the future - glided to an easy powerful win in the 100 meter Butterfly on Thursday at the U.S. Championships in tony Irvine (CA).
The multi-Olympic champion stroked to the finish line in excellent form - and a heady victory - to nab his 50th United States National swimming title.
Earlier in the week, in spite of two exciting wins (200 meter freestyle & 200 meter Butterfly), Phelps grumbled about his physical performance (the kid wasn't too happy about his timing, either) but was all smiles today as he spun himself up out of the pool with a satisfied look on his handsome chiselled face.
200 Meter Freestyle
Post: 08/04/10
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/08/though-he-wasnt-pleased-with-speed-he.html
200 Meter Butterfly
Post: 08/04/10
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/08/michael-phelpswins-butterfly.html
There was much to be overjoyed about (fans were ecstatic) after having shaved off a second of the previous world best time of 51.70 set by Evgeny Korotyshkin at the Russian Nationals in May.
Phelps's time of 50.65 seconds was the fastest in the world this year.
A man of few words, who tends to downplay his performance, the "Golden Boy" of the U.S. Swim circuit managed a few words for the press that signaled he was happy - a smidgent, at least - overall at long last.
"I'm fairly pleased with that," Phelps said.
"That's pretty good for right now. That's the best I've felt."
A bit cocky?
The win gave Phelps his 50th National title, the most all time.
Auburn's Tyler McGill confidently hit the wall behind him in second place with a so-so time of 52.20.
Ohio State's Tim Phillips came in a respectable third with a clock that read at 52.41.
With two races to go in the U.S. Championships in the month ahead, Phelps has turned a stellar page in his swim career on the American scene, for sure.
Without doubt, unpleasant personal missteps he struggled over last year (especially in respect to image) are fading into the past.
Just maybe, there's a product endorsement or two on the horizon, to propel his greatness forward once again.
News at 11.
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