Phelps topped by Peirsol in backstroke

(China Daily/Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-18 15:29

Olympic swimming gold medalist Michael Phelps during the U.S. Swimming Grand Prix Series Charlotte Ultraswim in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, May 15, 2009. [Xinhua]

There's still some work to do in the 100 back.

"There's probably three or four things in that race he can do better," said Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman. "His start wasn't very good, he came up really bad. His turn was not exactly where it should be. And he didn't have any legs at the end. That's just conditioning."

Phelps wasn't too upset by his loss, because he's coming off a nine-month layoff that was by far the longest of his career. He had intended to come back sooner, but had to serve a three-month suspension handed down by USA Swimming after a British tabloid published a photo of him using a marijuana pipe.

Now it's time to chase down Peirsol.

"When Michael gets beat, he remembers the race more," Bowman said. "When I say, 'Let's do some kicking to help with the 100 back,' it'll have more credence."

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