The road to London’s begun for one of swimming’s most dominant athletes. Michael Phelps started is journey toward London 2012 at the Austin Swimming Grand Prix Saturday.
Phelps took an early lead in the 400-metre individual medley final and never looked back, cruising to a win with a time of 4 minutes, 16.95 seconds, well off his world record time of 4:03.84 he set at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Conor Dwyer finished 2nd in 4:21.16, and Andrew Ford 3rd in 4:21.99.
16-year-old rising star Missy Franklin was outdueled by Allison Schmitt in the women’s 200-metre freestyle final. She passed Franklin over the final 50 metres to claim a win in 1:55.83.
Franklin finished second in 1:57.86 and Katie Hoff grabbed third place in 1:59.34.
Olympic star Ryan Lochte was well off his usual pace, only manging a fifth place in the 200-metre freestyle final and third in the 200-metre backstroke final.
