Michael Phelps was jolted by a rare defeat and reminded of the work that lies ahead after he finished second to Aaron Peirsol in the 100 metres backstroke at the Charlotte Grand Prix on Saturday. Phelps, on only his second day of competition since his record eight gold medal haul at the Beijing Olympics, was well beaten to the wall, his time of 53.79 a far cry from Peirsol's 53.32.
The loss was the 23-year-old American's first in a final in almost exactly a year, and his conqueror the same man. It was compatriot Peirsol who beat Phelps in the 200m backstroke at the Santa Carla Grand Prix on May 17. "I don't like to lose and Aaron has the upper hand in our races right now," Phelps told reporters.
After sweeping the 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly on Friday - events he won in Beijing - Phelps stepped out of his comfort zone to take on world record holder Peirsol in the backstroke. The result was a spanking defeat, and a sobering reminder of the challenge the American faces to topple the two-time Olympic champion at the 2012 London Games.
"Aaron and I have had our battles back and forth, that's the fun part about racing Aaron," Phelps said. "He's a racer, a competitor and someone I like to race." While Phelps and coach Bob Bowman have not divulged a programme for the London Olympics, the 100m backstroke is believed to be part of the plan.
Peirsol, who successfully defended his Athens gold in Beijing, made it clear he had no intention of surrendering the event he has made his own.
SAME MENTALITY:
"I'm sure he knows I'm not ready to (give it up)," said Peirsol. "By no means is anybody giving anything to anybody." "I definitely wanted to win that ... He (Phelps) is always up for it. He doesn't like to lose so I have to go in there with the same mentality."
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