Michael Phelps currently holds only one world record that was set in the United States.
And he did it in Omaha, Nebraska.
The six-time Olympic gold-medalist beat his previous world record by nearly a second Sunday night, winning the 400-meter individual medley at Qwest Center. His nearest competitor, Ryan Lochte, also broke the world record, although his name won’t go in the books.
“I definitely would not have been able to do it without Lochte beside me,” said Phelps, who finished in 4:05:25. “He’s a great friend and a great competitor. I love racing him.”
Another Baltimorian set a world record Sunday. Katie Hoff regained her spot at the top of the 400 IM charts, in a time of 4:31:12.
The talk leading up to the Trials surrounded the new Speedo LZR suit. Both Phelps and Hoff sported the look Sunday night (as will most of the competitors this week). Said Phelps, “It definitely gave me a few tenths… At the end, when I was getting a little tired, the suit gave me a little extra edge.”
If I wore one of those LZR suits, I could probably finish one of my Sunday night sportscasts in record time.
In a related story, Rob McCartney and Brandi Petersen have encouraged me to purchase an LZR suit.
