Michael Phelps won the 200-meter freestyle then returned less than an hour later to win the 200 butterfly on August 4 at the U.S. national championships.Phelps touched in at 1 minute, 45.61 seconds — the fastest in the world this year — to earn a spot on the U.S. team for the Pan Pacific championships later this month. Despite the time, Phelps felt he’s still off his best and need to shape of further to prepare for the Pan Pacific. Ryan Lochte finished second in 1:47.78, the second-quickest time in the world. Olympic bronze medalist, Peter Vanderkaay was third in 1:46.84.
In the 200 fly, Phelps was last off the blocks but he led all the way again and easily won despite what he called "probably the worst 200 fly I've swum in my life in terms of strokes and turns." Mark Dylla finished well back in second place Tyler Clary was third.
Meanwhile it was not the result World record holder Aaron Peirsol expected at the 100 backstroke. He was narrowly beaten by 24-year-old David Plummer, who won the first national title of his career. Peirsol still earned a spot on the Pan Pacs team. He had won the event at every nationals he had competed in since 2000 until today.