Phelps begins Olympic trials with world record

By Steve Keating

OMAHA, Nebraska (Reuters) - Michael Phelps got the U.S. Olympic swimming trials off to a spectacular start with a world record in the 400 meters individual medley on Sunday.

Phelps, targeting Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals at a single Games in Beijing, stormed to a time of four minutes, 5.25 seconds to slice almost a second of his old mark of 4:06.22 set at last year's world championships.

Ryan Lochte, who had clocked the fastest time in qualifying, battled Phelps stroke-for-stroke the entire distance before settling for runner's-up spot in 4:06.08, the second fastest time ever.

Lochte also earned a trip to Beijing, the top two finishers in each event claiming Olympic places.

(Editing by Ed Osmond

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