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Phelps Flops in Old-Style Suit

He fails to qualify in two events, barely makes a third

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 10, 2009 11:05 AM CST

(AP) – Wearing an old-style swimsuit, Michael Phelps missed out on two finals and barely qualified for a third today at a World Cup short-course meet. Phelps failed to qualify for the finals of the 100-meter freestyle and 100 backstroke. He qualified in the 100 medley, finishing seventh in 53.13 seconds. He'll try two more events tomorrow.

Phelps, competing for the first time since the world championships in August, was sporting a beard and swimming in the old-style swimsuit that will become the standard next year. Most other swimmers used faster high-tech suits. Phelps said before the meet that he was not "in the best shape," but wanted to use the competition in Stockholm to test his form and the old-style swimsuit.

United States swimmer Michael Phelps smiles during a press conference at Eriksdalsbadet arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday.
United States swimmer Michael Phelps smiles during a press conference at Eriksdalsbadet arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday.   (FREDRIK SANDBERG)
United States swimmer Michael Phelps swims during a training session at Eriksdalsbadet arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday.
United States swimmer Michael Phelps swims during a training session at Eriksdalsbadet arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday.   (FREDRIK SANDBERG)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
Jes
Nov 11, 2009 4:41 AM CST
As soon as athletes run barefoot in other sports I'll buy it.
bewilderbeast
Nov 11, 2009 2:32 AM CST
It's got to be hard to swim fast again once you've been there, done that and got all that loot in your pocket.
metalworldorder
Nov 11, 2009 2:17 AM CST
Hello voice of reason. Seriously, are people that quick to cash in on Michael Phelps because he's wearing a beard? Heaven forbid the man grow facial hair! And it's perfectly logical he tests his time in the old-style suit. Clearly he cares more about the game than the people still wearing the new shit. If they cared as much as he did--or weren't extremely cocky--they'd test their times in the old suit too.

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