By John Lohn
OMAHA, Nebraska, July 1. NEWSFLASH: Club Wolverine has some pretty talented individuals in the 200 butterfly. Alright, it's hardly a stunning statement, but it's certainly worth noting that Bob Bowman's troops will occupy four of the eighth positions when the championship final of the event is held tomorrow.
Leading the way as the entire planet probably expected was Michael Phelps, the world-record holder and defending Olympic champion. Phelps, coming off the 200 free final earlier in the night, touched the wall in 1:54.02 to finish ahead of training partner Davis Tarwater. In position to grab an Olympic bid, Tarwater set a career best of 1:54.72.
University of Georgia product Gil Stovall grabbed the third qualifying position for the final and will push Tarwater in the quest for a Beijing invitation. Stovall took top honors in the first semifinals, thanks to a time of 1:55.30. Stovall was coming off a morning swim that was equally solid and must be growing in confidence with each passing minute.
"This is no celebration for me," Tarwater said. "I've still got to swim tomorrow night.
"You've got me," Tarwater said in response to the question 'So, how do you beat Phelps?' "All I can do is what I can do."
There was sizable dropoff to the fourth-fastest qualifier, Bobby Bollier in 1:56.96. The 18-year-old, who trains with the Kansas City Blazers, was timed in 1:56.96 and advanced just ahead of Dan Madwed, the North Baltimore Aquatic Club rising star who went 1:57.03. Matt Patton (Club Wolverine) checked in next in 1:57.04 and the field will be rounded out by Club Wolverine's Alex Vanderkaay (1:57.18) and Mark Dylla (1:57.76).
Video Footage Removed Due to NBC Restrictions
Go to Swimming World's 2008 Olympics Landing Page for the most comprehensive coverage of the meet on the Internet.
