Michael Phelps’s decision to drop the 200metres freestyle from his London 2012 schedule means his maximum target is seven golds — one fewer than his haul from Beijing.
However, the Twitter announcement by his coach Bob Bowman was good news for Ricky Berens, who is selected in the US team for the event instead.
“I have some big shoes to fill,” said Berens, who approached Phelps at the team announcement. “I didn’t know what to say. Do I say thank you?” Phelps merely wished him luck. Team-mate Missy Franklin is also swimming in seven events.
A night of music fit for the gods
A celebration of the Olympics will be put to music this weekend. Karl Jenkins’s Gods Of Olympus, a new piece of music specifically composed to celebrate the Games, will have its premiere at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night. The event is being held in aid of the National Autistic Society.
Captain leads the long game
When it comes to the Olympics, equestrian riders take the prize for longevity.
Andrew Hoy could be forgiven this week for thinking he boasted something of a record when he was selected in Australia’s eventing team for a seventh successive Games.
While that is a record for his nation, he will be trumped by Ian Millar, who will be at his 10th Olympics this summer at the age of 65.
Known as Captain Canada, his record could have been even better had his nation not boycotted the Moscow Olympics in 1980.
Perfect fit for a golden retriever
You can get your pet pooch to lend their support as Team GB chase gold. An online dog boutique has come up with the idea of canine outfits for each of the various nations at the Games. Donna Condliffe, of Canine and Co, explained: “I felt what better way to involve our pets.”
Twitter @mattmajendie
