Swimming: Phelps to swim 400m medley at US trials

OMAHA: Michael Phelps confirmed his entry in the 400-m individual medley at the US Olympic swimming trials. Phelps, winner of the punishing event at the past two Olympics, had vowed after the 2008 Beijing Games that he would not swim it again in major competition. If he qualifies to race the 400m medley in London, Phelps gives himself an edge in a race with Japanese breaststroke star Kosuke Kitajima to become the first male swimmer to win the same event at three successive Games. “I’ve always said I want to be the first to do something,” said Phelps. The 400m medley final would come on the opening day in London, while Kitajima’s first chance could come in the 100m breaststroke final on day two.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2012.