RIO DE JANEIRO — About 14 hours after he pushed his career gold medal count to 21, Michael Phelps was back at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium to swim his preliminary heat in the 200-meter individual medley.
He moved on to tonight's semifinals easily, winning his heat and posting the third best qualifying time overall behind his buddy, Ryan Lochte, and German Philip Heintz. Phelps is seeking a fourth straight Olympic gold medal in the 200 IM.
Despite sleeping just five hours, he didn't feel too shabby.
"I guess the worst I felt was after the 400-free relay, having to be here the next morning for the 200 fly," he said. "This really wasn't that bad. My body hurt a little bit, but I think with a good rest in the afternoon, I'll be fine."
The races are beginning to mount for the 31-year-old Phelps, who will swim three times on Thursday assuming he qualifies for the 200 IM final.
"I've been able to put my body through things like this over the years and hopefully, I can keep it rolling one last time," he said.
He had been texting with his friend, former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, on the subject of athletic commitment.
"Leaving everything in the pool one last time is what I'm going to do," he said.