Phelps scratches 100 free after beating Lochte

Phelps scratches 100 free after beating Lochte

Published Jun. 28, 2012 12:36 a.m. ET

Michael Phelps had reduced his workload at the U.S. Olympic trials by scratching the 100-meter freestyle.

His coach, Bob Bowman, announced the scratch Wednesday night shortly after Phelps won the 200 free.

Phelps entered the 100 free mainly as insurance in case he failed to qualify for one of his better events. He actually swam in the preliminaries four years ago to ensure himself a spot on the 400 freestyle relay, but Bowman felt that wasn't necessary this time. Phelps had the second-fastest seed time coming into the trials and he's been on the 400 free relay at the last two Olympics.

Phelps still has four events left in Omaha, including the 200 individual medley, 200 butterfly and 100 fly. He'll likely scratch the 200 backstroke, which begins Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT
share