(Video Interviews) Phelps and Lochte Break Down 200 IM Prelims

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte have owned the 200 IM. Of the 11 fastest times in history in the event, six belong to Phelps and the other five to Lochte. Lochte has won the past four World titles in the event—a feat only he and Grant Hackett have accomplished in any event—while Phelps won the previous three (dating back to 2003) and in London became the first man to ever win three straight Olympic golds in one event with his 200 IM gold medal.

The pair occupied the top two qualifying spots out of prelims of the event this morning at Olympic Trials. Phelps was the second qualifier with an easy-looking 1:58.95, and after the swim he discussed bouncing back off qualifying for his fifth Olympic team in the 200 fly Wednesday night.

Lochte was the top qualifier with a 1:58.05, and he explained why he chose to scratch the 200 back—the event in which he won Olympic gold in 2008—and focus on the IM, as well as how his groin feels after pulling the muscle in the 400 IM prelims Sunday.

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