Why doesn't phelps compete in the backstroke?

Question

just noticed this other guy Pierson pulled off a world record in

backstroke. why not Phelps? wouldn't he want to go for 9 Golds?

Answer 1

He just might him try these in 2012 in London.

His current schedule was too overwhelming to add these events.

If you do your homework you'd notice there are four events that Michael Phelps doesn't even swim in the Olympics that he could win: 100 free (current American Record holder and 2 time National Champion), 400 free (previous American Record holder and two time National Champion), 100 Back (2007 national champion), and 200 back (4 time national champion and previous world record holder).

Great question...Did you notice what he said in his interview after the 400 IM on TV? He mentioned a conversation he had with his coach before the race and said that this was his last 400 IM race. Could this be a preclude to what his enchore in London might be? Will he give up the physically demanding 400 IM and put a couple of less strenuous events in his program like the 100 Free or the 100/200 backstroke and go for 9 golds? Stay tuned....