Lochte, Grevers scratch from final of 100 free; Phelps drops 200 back as expected
Ryan Lochte looks at the clock after swimming in the men’s 100-meter freestyle preliminaries at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Thursday, June 28, 2012, in Omaha, Neb. Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press
Lochte, Grevers scratch from final of 100 free; Phelps drops 200 back as expected
By Associated Press, Published: June 28
OMAHA, Nebraska - Ryan Lochte has scratched from the final of the 100-meter freestyle, giving 2008 Olympic star Jason Lezak a chance to qualify for the London Games.
The 36-year-old Lezak was the ninth-fastest semifinal qualifier Thursday night. But Lochte, who tied for fifth, was merely trying to improve his chances of landing on the 400 free relay. His focus Friday will be on the 200 individual medley and 200 backstroke.
Lezak is best remembered for his brilliant anchor leg on the 2008 relay, saving Michael Phelps’ bid for eight gold medals.
David Walters also moved into the final when Matt Grevers joined Lochte on the scratch list. Grevers is a backstroke specialist but hopes to be on the 400 free relay.
As expected, Phelps dropped the 200 backstroke from his Friday schedule.
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