New York: Ryan Lochte downed Michael Phelps in the men’s 400m medley at the US Olympic swimming trials in a race that gave a glimpse of the potential fireworks in London.
Lochte won in 4min 7.06sec, while Phelps, the world record-holder and two-time Olympic champion, was second, booking an Olympic berth in 4:07.89.
Lochte, beaten by Phelps in nine prior 400m medley clashes dating back to 2002, said he wasn’t trying to make a statement against the 14-time Olympic gold medallist.
“I wanted to win,” he said. “I wanted to get on the Olympic team. Now I can just do what I love to do, have fun and race.”
Phelps became the first male US swimmer to qualify for four Olympics. By qualifying in the 400m medley, Phelps gives himself a chance to become the first male swimmer to win the same event at three straight Games – although it’s clear he’ll have his work cut out to beat Lochte.
“That time was not good at all,” Lochte said. “I know I’m capable of going faster.”
Phelps will also be favoured to punch his ticket in four other individual events, the 100m and 200m butterfly, the 200m free and 200m medley, all of which he won in Beijing.
Now, however, Phelps will face tough competition from Lochte, who emerged from Phelps’s shadow as he won five titles at the World Championships last year.
Lochte entered 11 events at trials. He dropped the 400m freestyle, and said he would tweak his programme during the meet. (AFP)