Share

Phelps earns two wins

Minnesota - American Michael Phelps posted two victories Friday at the Minnesota Grand Prix swim meet, including the 200-metre freestyle - the premier event of the three-day competition.

The 14-time Olympic gold medal winner also captured the 100 butterfly at the University of Minnesota pool.

Phelps pulled away from a strong field to win the 200, finishing in one minute, 46.88 seconds. He won the 100 butterfly in 52.26.

The 26-year-old American is the world record-holder in the 100 butterfly.

Phelps' anticipated showdown with fellow American Ryan Lochte in the two events fizzled when Lochte placed third in the consolation final of the 200 freestyle and eighth in the championship heat of the 100 butterfly.

The 200 freestyle included Phelps, Lochte, French teen phenom Yannick Agnel, Chinese world champion Zhang Lin and Ous Mellouli.

Agnel placed second in 1:48.10 while Mellouli, an Olympic gold medallist in the 1,500 freestyle, was third in 1:48.26.

On the women's side, Allison Schmitt captured the women's 200 freestyle in 1:55.82, ahead of 16-year-old Missy Franklin (1:57.13).

Franklin won the overall Grand Prix series title last year and is seeking her first Olympic berth.

Jessica Hardy defeated Rebecca Soni to win the women's 100 breaststroke final. Hardy finished in 1:06.42, with Soni placing second in 1:07.04.

Brendan Hansen, who is racing again after two years off, won the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:01.13. The 30-year-old Hansen is a four-time Olympic medallist.

The Minnesota Grand Prix is the first of seven stops this season on USA Swimming's Grand Prix series.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE