Phelps Flops in Old-Style Suit

He fails to qualify in two events, barely makes a third
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 10, 2009 11:05 AM CST
Phelps Flops in Old-Style Suit
United States swimmer Michael Phelps smiles during a press conference at Eriksdalsbadet arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday.   (FREDRIK SANDBERG)

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. (More Michael Phelps stories.)

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