Michael Phelps got this Olympic challenge underway in the best possible way on the first evening of the US Olympic trials in Long Beach California, as he smashed his own world record in the 400IM.

Michael Phelps did little to quell speculation that he is chasing Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals at a single Olympics as he announced his schedule for next month’s US Olympic trials.

Craig Stevens finally confirmed today that he will be withdrawing form the 400m freestyle event at the Athens Olympics, clearing the way for Ian Thorpe to defend the title he won in Sydney four years ago.

Media reports down under are claiming that Craig Stevens, who took the second Australian spot for the 400m freestyle in Athens, will withdraw from that event to concentrate on his other swims.

We didn’t have to wait long for the first British records of the 2004 British Olympic trials as two were shattered in the first morning’s heat session.