Michael Phelps only needs two more medals to tie the record of most decorated Olympian. (Photo : REUTERS/Michael Dalder)
Michael Phelps, the most prolific U.S. athlete at the Olympic games, has barely qualified for the 400-meter individual medley. Could this be another reminder of what U.S. swimmer Tyler Clary said about his work ethic?
Phelps, who won eight gold medals in Beijing in 2008, barely made the cut by seven-hundredths of a second.
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"That one didn't feel too good," commented Phelps.
Recently, another U.S. swimmer, Tyler Clary, had some nasty comments about Phelps' determination to practice.
"I saw a real lack of preparation (from) him," Clary said during an interview."Basically, he was a swimmer that didn't want to be there. They can talk about all of these goals and plans and preparation they have. I saw it. I know. It's different. And I saw somebody that has basically been asking to get beat for the longest time."
Phelps retaliated by saying, "Some people like to express their feelings in words. Some like to express them in action. I've always done that by swimming, and that's how I'll continue to do it."
He also added, "Tyler said it was taken out of context, and he apologized the next day. I said to him he doesn't need to say anything. Whatever he said, he said."
Despite the downplay by both teammates, there has been past incidents where Phelps has come under scrutiny.Three years ago Phelps was caught on camera smoking a bong, which prompted the sport's national governing committee to cut off financial funding for three months to Phelps.
Anybody is allowed to relax, but millions of Americans are holding their breath for Phelps to become the most decorated medalist in Olympic history. Phelps is competing in seven individual events, and only has to win two medals to tie the all-time record held by Soviet gymnast Latynina for 18 total medals. Phelps currently has 16 medals, 14 gold and 2 bronze.
You can catch Phelps at the 400-meter individual medley finals at 2:30 p.m. EDT on July 28.
