At the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, six-time Olympic gold medalistMichael Phelps has qualified for a fourth event at the Beijing Games,and virtually secured a fifth, as he chases countryman Mark Spitz's1972 record of seven gold medals at one Olympics.
Phelps wonthe men's 200 meters butterfly (1:52.20) Wednesday night for a spot inthe event in Beijing. He also won his preliminary heat in the 100meters freestyle, but withdrew from the final because he felt his time(of 42.92 seconds) was fast enough to secure him a place on the 4 x 100meters freestyle relay team.
Phelps also said he would drop outof Thursday's 200-meters backstroke trial. The 23-year-old swimmingstar is expected to qualify for five individual events and three relaysin Beijing.
In Wednesday's other results from the pool inOmaha, Nebraska, 19-year-old Katie Hoff set two American records inqualifying for two events - the women's 200-meter freestyle (1:55.88)and the 200-meter individual medley (2:9.71).
Jason Lezak set an American record in the men's 100 meter freestyle (47.58) in a semifinal heat.