Phelps to switch gears at world championships
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-20 09:17

"I think it's a great opportunity to just kind of see where he is," said Bowman. "What kind of shape is he in? He's had an extended break, he had a back injury, he had some other issues, he moved to a new city.

"This is going to give us the first true picture of 'As of today, where does he stand in comparison to where he was a year ago?' And that's what we will find out next week."

Phelps, who won six golds and two bronze medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics, appears to enjoy the underdog role. Australian Grant Hackett, for one, is expected to hit the wall before Phelps in the 400 freestyle.

HACKETT DOMINANT

"I like to race, I like to compete," said the 20-year-old Phelps. "The 400 is going to be a tough race. Hackett has been very, very dominant, very strong. It's my job to step up and try to race him. I'll try to go out after it and see what happens."

Australia's Ian Thorpe and the Netherlands' Pieter van den Hoogenband -- both of whom beat Phelps in Athens -- will sit out the championships.

But Dave Salo, head coach of the U.S. Men's team, said Phelps' path to the podium will not be easy, especially in the freestyle events.

"Michael is very competitive," Salo said. "He wants the race. It would be real easy for him to take on the events he's expected to win. He's not afraid to lose. And that's a tribute to a champion."

Bowman said the world championships are the first step in a long road to the Olympics and a less-than-perfect performance in Montreal would be acceptable.

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