Michael Phelps hasn't gotten off to a terrific start at the London 2012 Olympics, but he comfortably qualified for the finals of what is arguably his strongest event on Monday. He coasted into the final of the 200 meter butterfly, posting a time of 1:54.53. It was the fourth fastest time in qualifying and put him less than three tenths of a second behind Takeshi Matsuda, who posted a semifinal-best 1:54.25.
Phelps is joined in Tuesday's final by fellow American Tyler Clary, who posted the fifth fastest time. The 200 meter butterfly was the first world record ever claimed by Phelps, back in 2004. He's the current holder of the world record in the event and has set the 200 meter butterfly world record a total of eight times. Tuesday's final is scheduled for 7:49 p.m. local time, 2:49 p.m. ET.
For complete coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, vist SB Nation's Summer Olympics hub.
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