Phelps Confirms Beijing Programme: Athens Part II
2008-07-03
Craig Lord
On the sheet: 200m freestyle; 100m and 200m butterfly; 200m and 400m medley; all three relays; targets match those of 2004

The targets are all in place - have been for quite some time now - and for the first time, Michael Phelps has shared his list with all of us. The picture matches that of Athens 2004. The backstroke and 400m freestyle are on hold until after his China campaign.

In Omaha, Phelps withdrew from the 200m backstroke on Wednesday, making it clear where the road past Mark Spitz and his golden seven now lies. Matching Spitz wins Phelps the US$1m Speedo prize, which might be said to be worthy reward for his role as cover-boy to the LZR, the suit that enhances performance.

Phelps's programme: 200m freestyle; 100m and 200m butterfly; 200m and 400m medley; all three relays. Why enter so may events only to trim back? 'We kind of wanted to keep options open because unforeseen things can happen, Michael pushes, he kicks, stuff can happen,' explained coach Bob Bowman to reporters in Omaha. 'We wanted to have some contingency plans but now I don't think that's necessary and we're ready to do our deal.'

Phelps's berth in the 4x100m medley and the 4x100m freestyle relay is not certain, though a sub-48sec 100 free takes the winner of five gold medals in finals in Athens four years ago to the blocks at leats in heats. The medley relay relies on Phelps qualifying. Ian Crocker, world record holder, is the man in the way. In melbourne 2007, Phelps beat Crocker but then gave up his place in the medley relay.

As for the 100m free, Bowman said: '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. I think Michael should be on the relay, he's put up a time, so there it is.'

To match Spitz - 7 gold medals all in world record times - would be astonishing. In a way, eight golds without the need for world records is a more realistic target.