Michael Phelps finally enjoyed a rare day of ease Wednesday.
He had remained awake until 2 a.m. after the U.S. men’s stirring victory over Australia in the 800 freestyle relay Tuesday, just lying there reliving a race he had wanted so badly.
He swam a preliminary of the 200-meter individual medley Wednesday morning, and in the evening he moved easily into Thursday night’s final while setting an Olympic record of 1 minute 58.52 seconds.
He already owns the world record in that event, so he is favored to win it and become the only male swimmer besides Mark Spitz to collect more than two individual golds at a single Games.
And then Phelps will go after two more in the 100-meter butterfly and the 400 medley relay.
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Remarkably, Phelps seems to remain immune to the pressure on him and the hysteria around him, often smiling and laughing. He eats pasta and pizza in the Athletes Village, tolerates riding buses rather than using a limo and often looks as if the Games are nothing more than a fun outing.
“The hard part’s over now … [and] I’m having a blast,” Phelps said Wednesday night. “This is a lifetime dream for me. I was talking to friends from home last night. They said, `I can’t believe you won two gold medals tonight. It’s amazing. We can’t believe you’re doing this.'”
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PHELPS TRACKER
SATURDAY
Won 400 individual medley in world-record 4:08.26.
SUNDAY
Couldn’t fill a big hole as 400 relay finished third.
MONDAY
Placed third in 200 freestyle final behind Ian Thorpe.
TUESDAY
Set Olympic record in winning 200 butterfly in 1:54.04.
TUESDAY
Got U.S. team off fast in upset win in 800 freestyle relay.
THURSDAY (3 Gold, 2 Bronze)
In final after setting Olympic record in 200 IM qualifyingz.
FRIDAY
Expected to be in 100 butterfly final.
SATURDAY
Expected to be in 400 medle final relay