Phelps bags sixth title after earning a sleep-in

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Chicago, Aug 5: Michael Phelps earned himself a rest then a sixth title in the 4x100 metre medley relay, capping off a busy week at the US swimming nationals.

Phelps had originally planned to swim in 10 events in Indianapolis but got a rare morning off, pulling out of the 200 individual medley having cut a deal with coach Bob Bowman.

Bowman had told Phelps that if he beat one minute 45 seconds in the 200 freestyle and dipped below 54 seconds in the 100 backstroke, he could ditch the medley event.

Phelps accomplished both in style, winning and narrowly missing a world record in the backstroke by three hundredths.

''The only reason I'm not swimming is I made a deal with Bob,'' Phelps told local television.

''It's weird not being in events I'm use to being in, but it's fun to be able to sit here and kick back and relax.'' He later helped Club Wolverine to victory in the 4x100 medley relay, bringing his five day total to six titles, four individual and two relays.

Yesterday's sleep-in might be the last for Phelps for some time.

The 22-year-old says he plans to train every day from now until the Beijing Olympics.

''From nationals on we're going to swim every Sunday,'' said Phelps, who will try for a record eight gold medals in Beijing.

''It's my one chance to do something big so why not, why not go out with a bang and do something different.'' Forty-year-old mother Dara Torres capped off a dazzling week, eclipsing her own American record to win the 50 freestyle in 24.53 seconds and complete a sprint double.

Torres, who won her first national title 26 years ago, won the 100 freestyle on Wednesday, boosting her hopes of qualifying for a fifth Olympic team.

''I just take it one day at a time now,'' said Torres, who was joined on the podium by her daughter Tessa.

''When I was younger I use to set goals further ahead. Now that I'm older it's one day at a time.'' Other winners included Emily Brunemann in the 1,500 freestyle (16:23.77), Katie Hoff in the women's 200 medley (2:10.62), Ryan Lochte in the men's 200 medley (1:56.95), Ben Wildman-Tobriner in the 50 free (21.80) and Erik Vendt in the 800 free (7:49.75).

Reuters>