Swimming:Michael Phelps sailed through the heats of the men's 200 metres butterfly this morning to stay on course to cap his incredible Olympic career with more record milestones. Unflustered and swimming well within himself, the American coasted through his morning heat in one minute, 55.53 seconds, more than four seconds outside his own world record, but enough to qualify fifth overall.
"I'm very happy with that swim," Phelps said. Austria's Dinko Jukic was the fastest overall, stopping the clock at 1:54.79, just ahead of Phelps' compatriot Tyler Clary. The 200 butterfly is one of the most physically demanding events in swimming and Phelps is a master of managing himself through the heats and semi-finals without over exerting himself.
Compared to Beijing where he won eight gold medals, Phelps has not had a great start to the London Games, finishing fourth in the 400 individual medley then second in the 4x100 freestyle relay. But his best events are yet to come and he is poised for a memorable night tomorrow.
If he wins the 200 butterfly final, his favourite race, he will become the first male swimmer to win gold in the same individual event at three successive Olympics. He will also equal Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina's record tally of 18 Olympic medals.
Phelps could then claim the outright record when he contests the 4x200 freestyle relay event, where the Americans are overwhelming favourites to win.