Michael Phelps notched the third-fastest 400m medley time of the year at the Indianapolis Grand Prix on Friday — raising the prospect he could reprise his Olympic challenge in the event. Phelps swore he wouldn’t race the demanding event again after he won it at the Beijing Olympics, part of his record eight-gold haul at the 2008 Games. But the 14-time Olympic gold medallist, who won in 4:12.51, admitted Friday he could change his mind before he finalizes his programme for London.
“It all depends on if I’m able to swim the other events,” he said. “If it’s not going to mess up the over events, who knows? Yes, I know that’s different than I said before.” Phelps out-dueled fellow American Tyler Clary, taking an early lead on the opening butterfly leg only to have Clary move ahead on the backstroke. Phelps regained the lead in the breaststroke and held off Clary on the closing freestyle.
