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MESA, Arizona, April 26. THE return of Michael Phelps was the major topic of conversation at the Arena Grand Prix in Mesa, Ariz., in the past few days, and it’s one of the items of discussion in this Arena Race Day recap.
Jeff Commings and Duncan Scott analyze Phelps’ 100 fly and 50 fly swims and why the Greatest of All Time should be happy about the times posted in those events. When Phelps wasn’t in the building, it appeared that Ryan Lochte took the spotlight and handled it with great appreciation for the fans who wanted his autograph.
Commings and Scott also discuss the one swimmer they each thought surprised them the most in Mesa. For Commings, it was Katie Hoff and her return to senior-level competition. Hoff won the 200 IM in a very fast time in addition to some great times in the 200 free and 100 fly to suggest she might be on the path to selection to an international squad this summer.
Scott was impressed with NAIA champion Cheyenne Coffman, who beat a talented field in the 50 free and had a strong 100 backstroke to put herself in a position to be a contender this summer at nationals.
The two also give an early prediction on the state of Team USA at this point in the long course season and which events are still in need of stronger talent. After watching the Arena Race Day recap show, be sure to visit the event landing page for video interviews and press conferences from the Skyline Aquatic Center!
