Michael Phelps during the preliminary 100 metre butterfly race at the US Winter National Championships in Federal Way, Washington (USA), on Friday. The 18-time Olympic gold medallist clocked 51.38 seconds to win gold in the event. — AFP
Michael Phelps during the preliminary 100 metre butterfly race at the US Winter National Championships in Federal Way, Washington (USA), on Friday. The 18-time Olympic gold medallist clocked 51.38 seconds to win gold in the event. — AFP
Michael Phelps’ Olympic comeback gained more steam Friday as he won his second race in as many days at the US Winter Nationals.
The 18-time Olympic gold medalist clocked 51.38 seconds to win the 100 meter butterfly at the event in Seattle, Washington.
On Thursday, Phelps won the 200 meter individual medley in a time 1.69 seconds faster than at a meet in Minneapolis three weeks ago.
“I am happy. It is really just trying to swim the fastest time I can I think it is a good sign,” Phelps said.
In other events, Missy Franklin beat Natalie Coughlin in their first 100 meter backstroke final duel since the 2012 Olympic trials.
Franklin won in 1:00.03, while the 33-year-old Coughlin finished fourth in 1:00.41.
Phelps, Franklin and Coughlin are among the Olympic champions at the meet, which continues on Saturday. More than 40 US national team swimmers are among about 700 set to compete, but most eyes are on Phelps.
