Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte: Who's got next?
Ryan Lochte (left) and Michael Phelps stand during the medal ceremony for the championship final of the men's 200 freestyle during the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha on Wednesday. By Al Bello, Getty Image
Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte: Who's got next?
By Roxanna Scott, USA TODAY | Jun 28, 2012
All eyes will be on Michael Phelps tonight - minus his main rival at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials.
Ryan Lochte won't be competing in any finals tonight in Omaha. Phelps has the 200-meter butterfly, scheduled to go off at 8:12 p.m. ET.
Update 11:32 a.m.: Lochte posted the fifth fastest time in the 100 free prelims, beating Jason Lezak in his heat by .07 seconds in his heat. Lochte finished in 49.33 seconds. Scot Robison was the fastest qualifier followed by 2. Nathan Adrian, 3. Matt Grevers. Garrett Weber-Gale, the swimmer turned foodie/chef, got through t to the semifinals as well as Ricky Berens, Cullen Jones and Anthony Ervin.
To recap: Lochte and Phelps are tied at one victory each in head-to-head races in finals. In a game of "cat and mouse," Phelps nipped his rival in the 200 freestyle on Wednesday night after Lochte won their opening duel in the 400 individual medley on Day 1.
As for today, Lochte is entered in the 100 freestyle prelims this morning. He's in a heat that include 36-year-old Jason Lezak. Also swimming in the 100: Anthony Ervin, who's had an interesting journey back to the Olympic trials, Cullen Jones, Matt Grevers and Nathan Adrian. The semifinals will be held tonight.
Phelps scratched the 100 free because his spot in the 4x100 relay is secure.
Later tonight, 17-year-old Missy Franklin, the kid Dara Torres loves to watch, swims in the 200 free.
If you're trying to keep track: Phelps and Lochte are also entered this week -- pending scratches -- in the 200 back, 200 IM and 100 fly. Another showdown between the two is expected Saturday night in the 200 IM final.
And if you're wondering what's happening in the track and field trials -- you haven't missed anything. They're back in action tonight after two rest days in Eugene. Finals tonight: men's pole vault, men's discus, men's steeplechase, 5,000 meters for men and women. Watch for 37-year-old Bernard Lagat chasing down the young guys like Galen Rupp in the 5,000.
The women's 200 heats get under way with 100 champ Carmelita Jeter going for a double. Also back in action: Allyson Felix and Jeneba Tarmoh, who finished in a still unresolved dead heat in the 100 for the third Olympic berth.
Seriously, if that isn't enough, we have the Olympic gymnastics trials firing up in San Jose. Danell Leyva, rock star John Orozco and Jon Horton are among the favorites to earn spots on the U.S. team.
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