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One down, seven to go for Phelps

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-11 12:53

Michael Phelps started his quest for eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics with a sensational record-breaking win in the 400m individual medley yesterday.

Michael Phelps' gold No 1. REUTERS

"I'm in my best shape," said the American, after winning gold in 4 min 03.8 sec, 1.41 seconds better than his own record. Phelps has owned the 400m individual medley world record since 2002.

The race had been considered to be Phelps' toughest test in his quest for eight, but the American looked impressive all the way.

Laszlo Cseh of Hungary took the silver in 4:06.16, while Ryan Lochte of the United States faded to third in 4:08.09 - more than 4 seconds behind.

"That was a pretty emotional race," Phelps said. "I knew it was going to be a tough race all the way through."

Instead of grinning outright as usual during the medal ceremony, the three-time Olympian was so emotional on the podium that his eyes flickered with tears while the US national anthem was played.

"I don't know why. I wanted to sing during the medal ceremony, but I couldn't help crying," said Phelps.

"I started to think about everything this year and the ups and downs I have had this year. You know Ryan (Lochte) comes like a free train. I was happy to get the first. I began thinking about it and that just made me more and more emotional.

"Thinking about representing your country and having many backups ... I got so many text messages from my bunch of friends, everybody is watching at home ... That's really emotional," a high-spirited Phelps held forth in the press conference.

Phelps could have been emotional also because of his race was watched by the US President George W. Bush.

Bush came to the Water Cube Sunday morning together with First Lady Laura Bush, daughter Barbara Bush and father, former president George H.W. Bush.

"To have the president coming watch is pretty cool. I looked up and saw him waving the flag. That's pretty cool to have the president say congratulations," said Phelps.

The race was probably Phelps's last 400m individual medley race; the 23-year-old swimmer now plans to focus on the sprint events. Phelps told newsmen yesterday that when he told his coach Bob Bowman he wanted the final to be the last 400m individual medley race in his career, Bowman said he had to end it in a world record.

And like a good pupil, he did just that.

Agencies

(China Daily 08/11/2008 page9)