Michael Phelps...4th place! Jynxed @ U.S. National Championships!

Ever since Lochte cruised passed Michale Phelps this mid-week at the U.S. National Championships, it spelled trouble for the Gold Medalist.

Of an other-worldly kind perhap?

Has Phelps been jinxed by good gal and rival Ryan Lochte?

A fourth place for the 200 meter backstroke today was comparable to standing still in the proverbial water  for the Champ, and left quite a few shaking their heads in disbelief come the end of the race.

When a reporter primarily focused on Lochte poolside mid-week, and practically ignored Phelps, it jarred the sensibilities.

And, signalled that perhaps the spotlight was shifting its focus at the U.S. National Championships this year.

After all, the hype and the hoopla has usually intensely focused on Golden Boy Phelps.

The first big loss to Lochte (Ryan placed 1st & Michael a 2nd) underscored that it just may be a slow downhill slump from there for the Olympic Gold Medalist (Phelps).

Post: 08/07/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/08/michael-phelpsdragged-in-200-medley-at.html

The 200 meter backstroke competition proved to be the clincher earlier today.

Ryan Lockte swan to glory for a first place showing (1:55.58) to rack up a stellar credit that turned out to be 2nd-fastest placement in the world this year.

The strong breakout lead against 2nd finisher (Aaron Peirsol) and 3rd placement swimmer (Tyler Clary) said it all.

In his prime, Lockte's star is on the rise in the swim world, without doubt.

Michael Phelps was not just a big disappointment, but a downright headshaker, when he struggled to place in the 4th spot.

Lockte perceived the exciting scenario this way.
"I knew I had to get out fast and hold on for dear life."

"Those last 50 yards I could see that everyone was coming and thought:

 "This is going to be bad."

Meanwhile, Peirsol was pumped up over Lockte's strategy.

"He swam that race like you're supposed to swim it," Peirsol said.

"He basically called our bluff. I didn't even see him until the second turn, and by then I was too far back to catch up."

Meanwile, Michael - in spite of his devastatingly poor performance, remained cool-headed as he assessed the swim in the aftermath.

"I don't ever want to do that ever again," Phelps said.

I hope not, Michael.

It was painful to watch from this perch, let me tell 'ya.

In spite of the three big wins (some record-breakers) the Beijing King  acknowledged that he was disappointed with his performances.

Post: 08/04/0

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/08/michael-phelpsgolden-boy-nabs-100-fly.html

Post: 08/04/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/08/michael-phelpswins-butterfly.htm

Post: 08/04/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/08/though-he-wasnt-pleased-with-speed-he.html

"I was setting myself up for this," Phelps said.

"I'm only going to be happy if I'm perfect. If I'm not perfect, I'm going to be hard on myself."

Phelps said he would have to re-establish his training regimen.

Promises! Promises! Promises!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Michael Phelps...lucky No. 7. Gold Strikes again for Olympic Hero!

Through the eyes of the cube...


Although Serbian swimmer Milorad Cavic was gliding to the finish, just inches from the gold, Michael Phelps turned out to be the little engine that could.

One more powerful stroke thrust him forward and on to victory.

But up-close onlookers couldn't help but crack a smile or two. It was a bit of a crash landing, after all.

Although his hand smacked into the wall of the pristine "cube" - a last surge of athletic prowess splashed Phelps into Olympic history - to tie Mark Spitz' long-standing record.

But, the grasp for the Gold trinket did not come easy, after-the-fact.

In the wake of a win that was literally snatched out of the clutches of his fierce competitor, the Serbians were so fired up by the biting scenario, that they filed a protest with Olympic Officials so that the governing body could review the video-tape down to the 10-thousandth of a second.

Spoil sports!

And, even as Phelps powered his way to a dramatic finish, a stream of anxious thoughts continued to swim inside his pretty little head.

"I was starting to hurt a little bit with probably the last 10 meters, Phelps said. "That was my last individual race, so I was just trying to finish as strong as I could.”

Phelps’ time was 50.58 seconds - not a world record - but a glorious win nonetheless in view of all the theatrics.

The Baltimore lad has now matched Spitz’s performance in the 1972 Olympic Games (Munich).

Spitz remained quite sports-man-like about the whole turn-of-events.

In fact, he sang the praises of the young Olympic swimmer, earlier this evening.

Without hesitation, Spitz asserted that Phelps was not only the greatest swimmer of all time, but the greatest Olympian of all time, too.

Phelps will return on Sunday to swim in the final event which is a butterfly leg on the 400 medley relay.

If the number eight is as auspicious as the Chinese allege it to be - hopefully - the eighth race on Beijing's home turf will prove to be a lucky experience for Phelps, too.

The world will be tuned in (on the edge of their wide-screen seats) and - just maybe - pi**ing their pants in anticipation of a glorious crowning finale to a week that has been awesome, to say the least!