Now for Rio: Michael Phelps makes final race on American soil a winning one
Michael Phelps gave the home fans one last thrill when he touched first in the 100 metres butterfly at the US Olympic trials in Omaha, Nebraska, on Saturday in his final race in an American pool.
The world record holder and three-time Olympic champion in the event, Phelps would not be denied a winning send-off as he charged to the wall to the roar of a capacity crowd in a time of exactly 51 seconds, just ahead of Tom Shields.
“Bob [coach Bowman] asked me what the game plan was tonight and I said, ‘I don’t want to lose my last race on American soil’,” said Phelps.
“There’s been a lot of history here and 51 [seconds] is OK but it’s going to take more than that to win a gold medal.”
Phelps began his final US race from an unfamiliar spot, lining up in lane seven.
But everything else was vintage Phelps as he powered into the lead over the final 50 metres.
When he hit the wall, the 31-year-old immediately turned and looked up at the clock, clenching his fist and punching the water underscoring how much the win meant to him.
As he climbed out of the pool the crowd stood and cheered the 18-time Olympic champion, who raised both hands in the air, soaking up the moment as he turned to all for corners of the arena taking a final bow.
