If you’re like me, your favorite swimming event is the men’s 100m freestyle — the only event that Aquaman would bother with if he were a real guy. Because if you’re being chased by a shark, sprint speed is the most useful quality to have out there in the ocean.
So, if Michael Phelps is Olympic swimming’s version of Aquaman, why is he not swimming the 100 free today?
Answer: This has never been one of Phelps’ best events. He scratched himself early from the 100 free at the U.S. Olympic Trials this year, and in fact has never medaled in it in any international competition — his best finish was a seventh place at the FINA World Aquatics Championships in 2005.