Lochte and Phelps in the 200 IM – Strategy Versus Complacency.

Irvine, CA – 2010 – U.S.A. Swimming  National Championships:  Ryan Lochte defeats Michael Phelps for the first time in the 200 IM handing Michael Phelps his first loss during the meet. Tyler Clary; the silver medalist at the 2009 Fina World Championships  placed third.

Comments after the race depict a complacent Phelps who  proffered excuses to explain the loss blaming both his conditioning and work ethic. Michael Phelps as quoted to Associated Press:

“I hurt, holy crap,” a breathless Phelps said. “I said to Ryan, ‘Dude, with about 20 meters left you passed me like I was standing still.’ It all goes back to not being in shape. I’m not there yet. I feel like my body shut down.”

Other likewise quote:

“There’s a lot of work to be done,” he said. “Losses always motivate me.”

These quotes are reminiscent of the French Open where Phelps unequivocally stated his unhappiness to Associated Press regarding his conditioning:

“I’m not worried,” Phelps said. “Am I upset? Yes. Very. When I’m upset, I think it’s the best time for me to try and use that as a motivation.”

“Hopefully, it’s a wake up call. If it’s not, then I have to change a lot,” he said. “I blame myself. You’ve got to be responsible for your own action.”

Lochte on the other hand, who had just placed second in 100-free a forty-minutes before the 200-IM discussed strategy summarily stating that the race began at the final turn.  Ryan Lochte to ESPN:

“If he’s right with you and he pushes off that wall, he’ll pop up a body length ahead and it’s over,” he said. “That’s where he is so dominant.”

However, Phelps was behind Lochte on that final turn and Lochte took the race in a time of 1:54.84 to Michael Phelps 1:55.94

Photos Copyright 2010 Mark Savage Photography – All Rights Reserved

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