Phelps has day off at Olympics, sort of

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BEIJING -- Even on a relatively easy day at the Water Cube for Michael Phelps, he has to swim twice.

He won his heat in the 200-meter individual medley, putting him in position to equal his Athens haul of six gold medals. He will come back later Thursday to swim in the prelims of the 100-meter butterfly.

The man considered to have the best chance to beat Phelps in the IM, U.S. teammate Ryan Lochte, had a faster qualifying time, winning his heat in 1:57.69. Phelps’ time was 1:57.70.

You know what that means.

Nothing.

--Randy Harvey

Photo: Michael Phelps relaxes a bit after finishing the men’s 200-meter individual medley semifinal Thursday. Credit: Streeter Lecka / Getty Images