Obviously, no introduction is needed with this swimmer as he is known as the current face of swimming, but this meet will definitely prove to be some great match-ups for Michael Phelps. Without further ado, here is my take on his upcoming swims for the Missouri Grand Prix.
His first event for this stop in the series is the 200 freestyle where he is anticipated to renew the friendly rivalry with Ryan Lochte. However, in my opinion, there are a significant number of swimmers that could contend for that top spot should he make a mistake in this swim. Those swimmers range from Simon Burnett, Lochte, Ous Mellouli, Brent Hayden, Garrett Weber-Gale, and William Copeland (even though he is seeded with a significantly slower time in comparison with the aforementioned). In all likelihood, though…Phelps will take this event without a problem.
Phelps will then compete in the 100 fly. His most recent performance in the 100 fly was at the 2009 World Championships where he became the first man under 50 in the event (not too shabby, huh?). He did stumble a little at the World Cup stop in Stockholm, finishing 11th in the event,but in my humble opinion, there is no way that anyone is going to take this event from him.
In the 200 IM, Phelps will face off against Eric Shanteau among other quality competition (Kosuke Kitajima being one of those swimmers). Even though his breaststroke is notably his weakest, I think he can get enough of a jump during the fly, maintain that in the back, hold first position (or only lose a little lead and fall into second), and bring it home with the free. He is a competitor…it’ll be interesting to see how this swim plays out.
The next event for Phelps (and most likely the one that he will not touch in first) is the 100 backstroke. He’ll be swimming against Nick Thoman, current WR holder in the short course version, Lochte and other top-rated backstrokers. At the SoCal Grand Prix, Phelps touched in third place with a 46.67 behind Matt Grevers and Markus Rogan. Because Lochte traditionally swims a little slower in-season, Phelps could take him in this event, but it will be a tough battle for the top spots! Following the 100 back will be the 200 back where he will (once again) battle Thoman who will definitely be the biggest competition for him in this event.
The 100 m freestyle will be the event to watch during the Missouri Grand Prix for the men! Top talent just exudes from this event from Phelps and Weber-Gale, to Hayden and Lochte, to Copeland and Simon. Need I say more? This will be a close finish between all of these swimmers to say the least!
In the next event (200 free) has elite swimmers throughout the event as well. While Phelps is seeded first, Lochte, Hayden, Simon, and Mellouli (along with Weber-Gale who is seeded a ways out) will be contesting for a first place touch. Yet another great match-up for everyone to show what they have right now! This will also be Phelps’ last event for Missouri.
To say the very least, Phelps has a full plate going into the Missouri Grand Prix!
I’m curious, though…how do you think he is going to do this meet?
Not sure if you noticed, but if you look carefully, Rogan will be swimming in this one. He’s entered with yards times, so he’s down in the psych. Admittedly, he’s not as good short course as long, but he should definitely be top three (along with Phelps and Thoman) in the 200 back at least.
Also, no one’s gonna touch Phelps in the 200 free, 200 IM, or 100 fly. He’s too good. The only guys who I think can get sub-1:50 are Hayden, Mellouli, and Lochte. I still think Hayden will be a really big factor in both the 50 and 100 as well – he did make the final of the 50 in Melbourne 2007, so he’s not a bad sprinter at all!
Nice pickup on that one, David! I didn’t see him down there, but I do agree with you!
From the 200 back:
47 Feher, Sean F 16 RSCA-OZ 2:00.29Y
48 Rogan, Marcus A 27 TROJ-CA 1:47.64S
49 Trujillo Aviles, Ezequiel 19 MEX 1:59.21S
The time is actually is short course meters time from the Stockholm World Cup.
It’s good that Phelps is getting back into shape and starting to win again, it’s good for the sport. Anyone know what Grevers is up to that he’s not going to be at this meet?
All that and Phelps isn’t coming. Apparently, all flights out of Baltimore are cancelled until Saturday morning, so they’re just bagging the meet all together.
That’s such a bummer. All of a sudden, this meet just lost a lot of buzz. Tired of these stupid snowstorms wreaking havoc, glad that I live down south!
I’m disappointed that Phelps and the rest of the NBAC crew will not be there, but it might make things a little more interesting! Just my opinion, but now there isn’t a definite winner of any event!
It is a real shame about NBAC not being there, the meet has lost a lot of glamour. There will still be some fascinating races. Kitajima v Shanteau being the highlight for me.
In the 200m I hope you’ve written Simon Burnett off too easily. Its a big couple of years for Burnett with the London Olympics taking place less than 40 miles from where he grew up. He’s one of only a few members of the GB squad who hail from near London.