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As Townley Haas Prevails (1:47.86), Michael Phelps With More To Prove in 200 Freestyle
- Updated: June 5, 2016
Prior to Michael Phelps’ arrival in Austin for the Longhorn Aquatics Elite Invite, a Sports Illustrated feature noted that the 22-time Olympic medalist was intent on delivering a time in the 200 freestyle that would guarantee his presence on the 800 freestyle relay at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Did Phelps achieve his goal?
Not exactly.
Looking for a time that would make Phelps’ inclusion on the relay a slam-dunk decision, the four-time Olympian was fourth in the 200 free, beaten to the wall by a threesome with University of Texas connections. Phelps was timed in 1:48.73 and defeated by current Longhorns Townley Haas (1:47.86) and Clark Smith (1:47.97) and former Longhorn Clay Youngquist (1:48.48).
The decision behind Phelps’ game plan was a simple and sensible one. If he could put down a strong marker that left no doubt about his participation on the relay, then Phelps would have the luxury of skipping the 200 free at the United States Trials in Omaha. For the 30-year-old, any way to lighten his workload is a positive. As it looks now, he’s going to have to race at least the preliminaries (and maybe more) in order to prove his worth.
During his comeback, which featured three No. 1 world rankings last year, Phelps has looked sharp in the butterfly and individual medley. However, his freestyle has not been on an equal level and remains a work in progress. With Trials fast approaching, Phelps has a few weeks to put the pieces together. Given his history, betting against that likelihood would be unwise.
Overshadowed by the status of Phelps in the 200 free, in which he was the 2008 Olympic champion, were the efforts of Haas and Smith. The Texas standouts certainly put themselves in relay contention for Rio, with Haas alleviating any concern that he couldn’t replicate the success he enjoyed in the short-course pool during the collegiate season.
As Texas won the team …
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