Michael Phelps on Open Water

After Michael Phelp' amazing third gold-medal swim in the 200-meter freestyle where he shattered his own world record and destroyed the field, Michael told the world's media, "I wanted to try to get out in the open water and I was in the outside lane, so it was kind of difficult for the others to see me. I just wanted to get out there and try to hold on."

His comment was reminscent of David Davies' strategy at the 2008 World Open Water Swimming Championships.

It also reminded us of his answer to the question posted to Michael by Pulitzer Prize-winning Wall Street Journal reporter Kevin Helliker, "Beyond Beijing, would you ever consider swimming open water?"

Michael grinned widely and said, "Not a chance. No way. I won't do open water."

It is our strong belief, however, that if he choose to add open water swimming to his repertoire, he would become the world's greatest open water swimmer if he so chose.