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Ahead Athens 2004: Phelps's 4 x 100m Relay Bid Hits Rough Water Michael Phelps became the first man to qualify for a US Olympic swimming team in five individual events with one more on the horizon, but he wasn't finding it such smooth sailing when it came to a possible 4x100m freestyle relay berth. Phelps will need relay victories if he is to succeed in his assault on Mark Spitz 's record of seven gold medals at one Games in Athens next month. But Phelps's six events at the eight-day US trials didn't include the 100m free. His coach Bob Bowman contends that Phelps's best time, a 49.05 clocked in March, should be enough to earn him consideration for the relay. "The time he did four months ago means nothing," said Jason Lezak, winner of the 100m free at the trials. "I think the coaches we have will demand a time trial. They won't just roll over because of any pressure." Gary Hall, who qualified for the relay squad with a third-place finish in the 100m here, said he didn't think it would be fair to select Phelps for the sprint relay since he didn't enter the individual event. "I think Michael Phelps is a phenomenal swimmer and he's going to have his plate full at the Olympics," Hall said. "The guys who swam tonight and finished in the top six earned that spot. I think it will take extraordinary circumstances to justify their removal." Ian Crocker was second in the 100m free in 49.06, while Hall clocked 49.16 and Neil Walker was fourth in 49.38sec. Walker, the most likely victim if the coaches go with Phelps, seemed the least perturbed by the prospect. "Phelps will be on it at night, I'm sure," Walker said. "It's up to the coaching staff. I'm sure they'll have something figured out. "It's not about being fair," Walker added. "It's about being fast. There can't be any dissent. Whatever the coaches decide, we'll be happy with." Eddie Reese, the head coach of the US men's Olympic team, said he didn't anticipate asking Phelps for a time trial, and he would consider him for the 4x100m free. "I haven't thought of any time trials for the 100 men," he said. "Head to head always works real well. "We've got four guys swimming it in the prelims. That will give me more to go on. I know what Michael has done and when he's done it. If everyone goes 48.2 or 48.3, he might not be on it." Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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