Michael Phelps...nabs 4 Golds! Bad boy persona worries coach!

Swimming dude with attitude problem?

With his girlfriend waving enthusiastically from the stands, Michael Phelps - in pretty top form for the most part and geared up to meet the competition (well, almost; he bowed out of one individual medley with the jitters) - nabbed 4 gold medals at last count today at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine (CA).

On occasion, the media star was late off the block, but - when it came to the wall - his turns were so precise that it caused a few sports commentators to refer to the studly swimmer as aquaman.

Underwater shots of the athlete's prowess revealed a style that was all power, full of grace, and a wonder for the eyes to behold.

In the final analysis, a strong focus - and controlled strokes - pushed the (of late "unpredicatable") smooth hard-body to the finish line to score gold booty time and time again.

Fortunately for Phelps - today's performances sharply contrasted with his last appearances at Irvine - where he was obviously out-of-shape (a big disappointment to fans in the stands) and struggling to keep ahead of a pack of hungry young swimmers on his tail vying for a spot on the coveted  U.S. team alongside the Olympic Gold Medalist.

Today, in the first leg he contributed in the men's medley, Phelps boasted a record-breaker - which must have left the likeable swimmer beaming when he broke the surface of the water and caught sight of the numbers.

In one one fly race, Phelps glided in to capture a Gold Medal at the Pan Pacific at a respectable 50.86 seconds flat.

Michael has the distinction of currently being the only swimmer in America to hit the finish line with times below 51 seconds (to date).

But, earlier today, elusive Phelps caught reporters off-guard when he bowed out of one event.

Phelps withdrew from the preliminary heats of the 200-meter individual medley at the Pan Pacific Championships which means that there will not be a rematch against long-time rival Ryan Lochte (the swimmer snatched up 5 golds as of this morning; one more than Phelps).

“Michael is going to skip the 200 IM this moarning so he can concentrate on the relay tonight,” coach Bob Bowman explained to startled reporters before the heat bright and early this morning.

The reason?

"It’s going to take three really good swims to get through that...and neither one of us feel...like he’s got three really good ones," his coach confessed.

Is Lockte edging out Phelps as the Numero Uno attraction at swim meets in America?

The scuttlebutt is not good.

Phelps backing down from healthy swim challenges?

The kid's trainer has been worried by the sudden change in the Phelps modus operandi.

 This is the first year Phelps willfully ignored training plans without excuse, for instance.

"Some days he would just not show for  practice," Bob Bowman confirmed for the record.

On occasion, the high-profile celeb was more inclined to dash off for a round of golf.

"There would be no phone call, no heads up," as Bowman anxiously walked the plank poolside a little perplexed by the unexpected turn-of-events.

Has Michael become water-logged - and lost interest in the sport - perchance?

The absences - and failure to communicate with handlers for days on end - some find alarming.

"Sometimes, I would get worried: 'Is he OK?'" Bowman confided to the press.

Is he?

News at 11!

 

Too much bonging & banging?

http://www.julianayrs.com

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/

David Beckham..broke world record for Butterfly? Hangs up cleets...

Water sports new kick for Becks

Oh boy, folks on Twitter must have shaken their heads in disbelief overnight, when they caught site of a caption in a tweet that boldly screamed out:

"David Beckham breaks world record for the Butterfly Stroke relay!"

Quite an athletic feat, alright.

No wonder the media darling wasn't in the sweaty locker-room lately rough-housing with Galaxy soccer studs.

Unpredictable Becks must has been off boning up on his butterfly stroke at the local "Y".

Uh-huh!

I was stunned, too, when I spied the caption touting Beckham's skills in water sports.

The snippet was almost as intriguing as the expose published on Zimbio at dusk last night which hinted at an alleged love affair between superstar Tom Cruise - and uninhibited Becks - who appears to have a kinky underwear fetish.

What would Scientologists make of these odd bedfellows, do 'ya think?

Curious twitter folks who clicked on the Beckham link were doubly surprised, no doubt, when the post they were transported to at breakneck speed was a news flash about Olympic Gold Medalist - Michael Phelps - who broke the world record for the "Butterfly Stroke" relay at the U.S. Competitions in Indianapolis Thursday, July 9th (2009).

The post - on the Phelps breaking news penned (by MOI) shortly before I logged off around 7 o'clock last evening - was published on three web sites with a correct caption and an accurate reference to Michael Phelps.

As fate would have it, during a google search bright and early this morning, I stumbled across the bizarre caption, unexpectedly.

Needless to say, I was a little shaken (and stirred into action) by the glitch.

Uh-huh.

Today, I am scratching my head.

Did some gremlin, or mischievous hacker on the Internet, tamper with the twitter caption for reasons heretofore unknown?

Or, was it a sign?

Although sentient beings vainly imagine they are in control - especially with regard to intelligent machines created to better mankind's lot - it's crystal clear the unexpected may occur at any given moment and underscore with certainty - that is truly not the case.

Albert Einstein once opined:

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious."

Phelps, like Becks, into provocative posing!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Phelps...you've got mail! Fans post plaudits...

Over the past couple of weeks, I noted that a smattering of articles posted about Michael Phelps on my blogs, have racked up a staggering number of hits.

The fan frenzy, in the wake of his astounding unprecedented wins at the Beijing Olympics, underscores just how popular the Olympic Gold Medalist remains both here and abroad!

But, now there is a new phenomenon unfolding.

Some admirers are trying to actually reach out and communicate their thoughts to their role model.

In absence of a physical address to reach Michael at, I guess, a few fans have opted to post notes for the Olympic Champion at my blog site at wordpress.

Heh, Michael!

If you happen to read this post, take note.

You've got mail at: www.julian1st.wordpress.com

See 'ya!

Michael Phelps...hits blast blog stats. Phelpsmania roars on!

So, that's how he pulled it off...


Last week the hits dropped off a tad on Michael Phelps posts - but surprise! - come Sunday morning stats reflected a big blast into the blogosphere once again.

Ah, will the Phelpsmania continue at its fevered pitch, like it has been?

I expect the recent jolt at the blog site over the past three days is due in part to the Olympic stud's upcoming stint on Saturday Night Live which is scheduled for September 13th (NBC).

Undoubtedly - fans are frenetically surfing around the Internet for the latest up-to-the-minute news flash - or sexy still - to satiate their undying fascination with the Olympic Gold Medalist who dove gracefully into their hearts this past summer.


Without doubt - the blogosphere cries out for a totally awesome Michael Phelps site - where each delicious tidbit of news, trivia, and dating news (sigh!) - is quickly available at the twittering fingertips to satisfy all the ubiquitous flirts, die-hard fans, and the plain old curious.

A personal diary online, written in Michael's own distinctive script, would certainly light up a cloudy day for the most needy just about now.

And, of course, a scintillating web site - dedicated to a whole slew of heretofore never-before glimpsed scandily-clad images of the Olympic Gold Medalist stud in a far-reaching exotic range of racy speedos - would be welcomed at the drop of one slightly-used Michael Phelps' towel fresh from the Beijing Olympics!

Is he a boxer man, do 'ya think?

News at 11!

Power stroke and bedroom eyes a lethal combination...

Michael Phelps...hits tenfold! Stylish Mom in on action, too!

Michael Phelps splashes onto world stage...


As I reported a few days ago - during a span of one week when Michael Phelps was blasting his way into Olympic history at the Beijing games - my blog site revved up and soared in popularity around the globe because of a staggering number of frenzied fans seeking out tidbits of news about America's instant "golden boy".

After a couple of follow-up features, I expected the hysteria to drop off, though.

I was quite delirious - to say the least - when I logged on yesterday morning to discover that my blog stats reflected that due to the Michael Phelps posts - hits were boosted tenfold overnight.

Today, the trend has continued!

Just goes to show 'ya what happens when you hitch a ride with a superstar.

You get catapulted into the stratosphere - and there is no looking back - I guess.

In recent days, the phenomenon that is "Michael Phelps" has continued to surge forward full-steam ahead.

Facebook reported, for instance, that the Olympic Gold Medalist had a million requests for "friend" status at the most popular social hub on the Internet.

And, on the heels of his historic wins, the studly swimmer was signed to grace the package of a popular morning breakfast cereal.

"Breakfast-of-Champions-style"

Even humble "Mom" managed to snatch up a little of the limelight, too.

USA Today reported that fans not only took note of the outfits she was inclined to sport in the stands each day - but later dashed into Chico's to pull the attractive outfits off the racks - to emulate the stylish woman.

Can a signature line be in the offing?

And, all the hoopla will be recorded for posterity in a published tome.

According to news flashes this weekend - it was revealed that Michael Phelps has signed a pact with a publisher to write a book about all the behind-the-scenes events at the Beijing Olympics - which is sure to excite his enthusiastic fan base.

"Built to Succeed" will focus on his philosophy on training and competition.

He has one, at such a young age?

I guess so, to score so big at the Olympics, eh?

But, the page-turning will not be just a piece of fluff.

The editor has noted that the bio will not only take a foray into normal aspects of his childhood, but also take an insightful glimpse into the heart-wrenching experience of being raised by a single mother.

Phelps will also discuss what it was like to cope with an attention deficit disorder.

Where do I order a copy?

Michael Phelps in Vogue...

Michael Phelps...Hate him! I cut ice cream...

Phelps lean mean killing machine...


Day before yesterday - I noted in passing on a blog post - that Olympic Medalist Michael Phelps appeared to have very little body "fat" on his trim muscular frame.

A day later, the Phelps' camp revealed to the press that the athlete actually gobbles down about 12,000 calories a day!

Because of all the strenuous work-outs and practice runs, the handsome swimmer laughingly jibed that the carbs just melt off his swimmer's bod.

"I can eat anything," he boasted.

I knew there would be something I hated about the guy!

I just cut Häagen-Dazs ice cream and mouth-watering pastries from my diet to stop a spare tire from buoying me up.

But, Phelps - astoundingly - manages to wolf down a five-egg omelet, three chocolate chip pancakes (this boy knows how to live!), a bowl of grits (always hated 'em), and an order of French Toast slathered with a sugary white-powder topping.

Swimming in Maple Syrup, I expect!

That's just breakfast, fellas.

Come dinnertime, Phelps sets his sights on a whole pizza, which he teams with a tasty packet of delicious pasta. With Lots of high-calorie Italian sauce, no doubt!

But, let's face it, age has a bit to do with it.

Twenty-somethin' guys (Phelps is 23) generally burn off calories in a nano-second. In fact - young guns can demolish two-for one pizzas with double cheese and sausage, a thirty-two ounce big gulp, and top it off with garlic bread and wings - without packing a paltry pound.

But, when a male hits thirty, watch out.

Chances are - most men will need to start up a health regimen at that ripe old age - that may include a jog around the park two or three times a week, some lap-time at the pool, and a bit of judicious food selection at the nightly dinner table.

In fact - every ten years - the body metabolism slows down.

So, "forty" and "fifty" are markers that will pack a whollop to the stud who was used to breezing through life lean and mean.

People are constantly amazed when they learn how old I am.

But, honestly, I work hard at it.

If I am going to whip down to my Calvins and hop in the sack, I don't want to be embarrassed, 'ya know?

So - whenever possible - I fast-walk instead of driving to a location. And, if time and access permit, I spring for a leap up or down the stairs instead of zoning out on the elevator.

And, there are at least three rigorous trips to the gym each week.

I also gave up chomping on three square meals a day, too.

In the alternative, I "graze".

I snack on small morsels of nutritious food throughout the day - and this is the key - only when I am hungry.

For the most part, I am in tip-top shape.

And, the benefits are great.

Occasionally - I am flattered when I am asked to show I.D. at the liquor store - or a trendy nightclub in West Hollywood.

And, attractive young cuties are constantly hitting me up for a date.

Now, let's hope a particular body part keeps functioning well.

I'm a little young for Viagra yet!

My man-tool has a little pride, 'ya know?

Michael Phelps...Blog stats go thru roof! Olympic fans hungry for pics!

Well, when I posted a blurb on Michael Phelps yesterday, I didn't anticipate that his remarkable performance at the Olympics in recent days would boost the hunky swimmer into such celebrated International Sports-Star Status!

The truth confronted me this morning when I checked my blog stats.

There were so many hits that he garnered top slot and left all the other popular posts in his wake.

Olympic enthusiasts appear to be hungry for anything that is "Michael Phelps".

I expect there will be million-dollar product endorsements, TV commercials, a line of sportswear.

You name it, Michael. The sky - er - "cube" - is no limit!

Tonight, the world will be buzzing as Phelps strives for his sixth gold win.

Tune in. Be a part of History.

Michael Phelps...Wows World With Wins! Photos, a bit of a concern!

As the Olympics competitions head into the main stretch, the remarkable performance of Michael Phelps in the "cube" at Beijing, continues to captivate the world.

Yesterday, for instance, there were two stunning 1st-prize wins!

Despite a moment of crisis when water seeped into his goggles and flooded his unprotected eyes with chlorine - Phelps struck pay dirt with his signature stroke - the Butterfly.

Then - there was no holding him back an hour later - when he swam on to glory in tandem with his hyped-up swim mates in the U.S. 800 freestyle event.

Now - the aw-shucks down-to-earth stud - stands alone.

Yup, the winningest Olympic athlete ever.

And, don't forget about those five world records over the course of five events at Beijing, either.

The lad is a human dynamo, poetry in motion, and a golden boy unsurpassed - all rolled into one tidy muscled bod - comprised of flesh, muscle, and bone.

Which raises my concern.

In all the photos that have flooded across a myriad of multi-media screens - it appears that while Michael is mighty ripped - his stellar body appears to be very lean on actual "fat".

I understand that the extra body weight might slice a second or two off of his record.

In view of that - I say - okey-dokey.

Go get 'em, boy!

But, I trust that when the Olympics call it a wrap - and the world-class swimmer packs up all his gold trinkets - that he'll dash out and gobble down a juicy hamburger or thick protein-filled steak.

After all - all muscle and no beef - does not a healthy young man make.