Omaha, NE – Michael Phelps coasted to a win in the 200-meter butterfly at U.S. trials on Thursday, no surprise for the two-time reigning Olympic champion in the event.
Also the world record holder, Phelps touched in 1 minute, 53.65 seconds to beat Tyler Clary, who finished 1.47 seconds back to earn a spot on the U.S. team in London next month.
It was a chance for Phelps to relax from all the talk of his rivalry with U.S. teammate Ryan Lochte, who beat the 16-time Olympic medalist in the final of the 400-meter medley on Monday before losing to him in the 200-meter freestyle on Wednesday.
Also on Thursday, Allison Schmitt beat her own American record in the women's 200-meter free at 1:54.40 -- more than a half-second in front of her old mark from 2009. She finished 2.39 seconds ahead of Missy Franklin, who came in second to also qualify for London.
Beijing bronze medalist Jason Lezak qualified for the men's 100-meter final. Lezak is probably better known for his thrilling comeback against France's Alain Bernard while anchoring the men's 400-meter freestyle, which saved one of Phelps' record-setting eight gold medals in 2008.
Nathan Adrian, the top American in the event, qualified fastest for the final with a time of 48.33 seconds. Phelps pulled out of the event on Wednesday.
Caitlin Leverenz won the women's 200-meter medley with a time of 2:10.22 and Ariana Kukors took second to also earn a spot on the U.S. team.
In the men's 200-meter breaststroke, Clark Burckle touched first in front of American record holder Eric Shanteau and 2004 bronze medalist Brendan Hansen in the second semifinal. They will be the top three seeds in the final.
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