Not Even by Michael Phelps, Olympics First-Timer Achieves Feat Left Unchecked for 36 Years

The USA is in search of the next Michael Phelps but some swimmers are trying to go even beyond! Chris Guiliano from Notre Dame is certainly one of them. Specializing in the freestyle discipline, Guiliano clinched his first international medal at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships. Coming into the US Olympic trials, the youngster from the University of Notre Dame showed tremendous determination to clinch his maiden Olympic ticket. On top of that, in the process of doing so, Chris Guiliano also achieved a feat that even the legendary Michael Phelps could not touch. 

Chris Guiliano became the first male US swimmer to compete at the Olympics in both 100m and 200m freestyle. Initially, Guiliano competed in the 100m freestyle discipline to clinch the win, beating the likes of Caleb Dressel. He clocked a time of 47.38s, edging out Jack Alexy(46.47s), and Caleb Dressel(47.53s). Next up, it was Guiliano’s time to shine once again as he secured a top-two finish in the 200m freestyle as well. 

This historic feat was only achieved by Matt Biondi in the 1988 Olympics. Such an accomplishment was duly acknowledged as a user named Nick Zaccardi posted the details on X. The post read, “Chris Guiliano wins the Olympic Trials 100m freestyle and will be the first American man to swim both the 100m and 200m frees at an Olympics since Matt Biondi in 1988.”

This scenario is certainly a welcome boost for Guiliano. According to the records, he held a ranking of 21 in the US 100m freestyle list in 2022. Guiliano’s 200m freestyle rank was also not very impressive as he stood at 36th back in 2023. Thus, making a swift turnaround, the hopes around him will definitely be high as Paris comes closer.

Meanwhile, even after winning almost everything, this particular feat remained elusive for the great Michael Phelps. And following the trends, a lot of his achievements are getting conquered by future stars as well.

24-year-old streak of Michael Phelps was broken by Thomas Heilman

Back in 2000, Micahel Phelps was the youngest male swimmer to qualify for the Olympics. Since then, the record stood untainted for 24 years until Thomas Heilman arrived at the party. Competing in the 200m fly, Heilman clocked an impressive 1:54.50s to get into the history books. Breaking the streak, Heilman is now the youngest after Phelps to secure an Olympic ticket. Meanwhile, as the competition intensifies, there is still no match for Phelps. 

Thus, it was only normal when he was asked about a comeback possibility at NBC’s Meet the Press. Unfortunately for the fans, Phelps did not look interested in returning to the waters. Speaking on the topic, Phelps stated, “I know at my old age – I say ‘old age’: I’ll be 39 this year – it’ll take five years for me to really get back. You know, I think the whole process of physically and mentally preparing for an Olympic Games is challenging… I’m not doing it. I’m not going down that way again.”

Thus, as of now, all Michael Phelps wants is to enjoy his retirement and relish the feats of young prospects like Guiliano and Heilman as they nudge ahead with eyes locked on greatness.