Michael ?Phelps on Wednesday confirmed the events he plans to contest at next month's Beijing Olympics in his bid to beat Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals at a single Games.
With four days remaining at the US swim trials in Nebraska, Phelps' Olympic schedule came into focus when he withdrew from the 200 metre backstroke on Wednesday, leaving him entered in just enough events to attack Spitz's staggering record set at the 1972 Games in Munich.
Phelps celebrated his 23rd birthday during the trials and has already qualified in the 400 individual medley, 200 freestyle, 200 butterfly and the 4x200 freestyle relay. The six-time Olympic gold medalist has only the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly left on his trials schedule.
If he qualifies in those two races, his Beijing program will feature five individual events (200 and 400 individual medley, 200 freestyle, 100 and 200 butterfly) plus all three relays.
There had been wide speculation over which races the versatile Phelps might compete at in Beijing after he was entered in nine events at the US trials.
But over the course of the eight-day event, he and coach Bob Bowman trimmed his schedule down. "There are a lot of reasons," Bowman told reporters when asked why he had entered Phelps in nine events.?????
"We kind of wanted to keep options open because unforeseen things can happen, Michael pushes, he kicks, stuff can happen. We wanted to have some contingency plans but now I don't think that's necessary and we're ready to do our deal."
As well as still needing to finish in the top two in his remaining events, Phelps' selection for the 4x100 freestyle and 4x100 individual medley squads is not automatic.
He staked his claim for a spot in the 4x100 freestyle team on Wednesday after posting a blistering 47.92 seconds to become only the sixth swimmer under the 48-second barrier.
He immediately withdrew from the event feeling he had done enough to secure a place.
"He was trying to break 48 and he did and that sets him up nicely for the relay and hopefully answered some questions for everybody," Bowman said.
"I think Michael should be on the relay, he's put up a time, so there it is."
Meanwhile, Katie Hoff continued to upstage Phelps at the trials, powering her way to two thrilling wins and adding three events to her Beijing program.
Hoff, who Phelps playfully calls his little sister, produced a big effort on an action packed night claiming titles in the 200 metre freestyle and 200m medley in a span of 50 minutes.
The victory in the 200m freestyle also clinched a spot on the 4x200m freestyle relay squad.
Hoff has already set herself a busy schedule for Beijing qualifying in four individual events (200m and 400m IM, 200m and 400m freestyle) and a relay - so far.
"I don't really want to add up how much racing I've done," Hoff told reporters.
"I think I've done 10 (swims) now, so I'm way over half way. This was a big night for me and to have it out of the way feels really good."
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily July 4, 2008)