Michael Phelps occupies Men's 200m IM gold: Day three – USA Swimming Grand Prix
The 14-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Fred Phelps occupied the title of Men's 200m Individual Medley (IM) on final day of the 2011 USA Swimming Grand Prix. The event took place at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center in Minneapolis, on Sunday, November 13.
The 26-year-old Phelps, who qualified as the fastest swimmer into the final round of IM event met the expectations of his fans by sustaining his top spot in playoff. Phelps faced severe battle from his competitors, Darian R Townsend and Peng Wu, who tried to escape him for the title.
He claimed the gold medal in an outshining time of 1 minute and 57.58 seconds. His time was almost five seconds better than his qualification time and the American easily pocketed the title of the event.
He acquired eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. His dominating performances at Beijing included the title of 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, 200m IM, 400m IM, 200m freestyle, 4*100m freestyle, 4*200m freestyle and 4*100m Medley relay.
Nevertheless, the gold medallist remained in a lead of 3.97 seconds from FORD-AZ's Townsend, who reached the victory stand for silver medal with an effort of 2 minutes and 01.55 seconds.
The podium was completed with the presence of Club Wolverine-M's Wu, who was just 0.42 seconds behind Townsend and posted a time of 2 minutes and 01.97 seconds for bronze medal.
In the meantime, Townsend's team-member, Christopher Burckle emerged on the finishing wall for fourth fastest spot. The 23-year-old Burckle remained 1.61 seconds away from bronze medallist and ended fourth with an effort of 2 minutes and 03.58 seconds.
Burckle was followed by Phelps's team-mates, Kevin M Webster and Chase T Kalisz. Webster remained just a touch away from his preceding swimmer and completed his swim in a fifth fastest time of 2 minutes and 03.80 seconds.
He was trailed by 17-year-old Kalisz, who remained 0.39 seconds behind and obtained sixth finest spot with a timing of 2 minutes and 04.19 seconds.
The session ended after the completion of all scheduled events while the winners received medals for their tremendous efforts after the session.
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