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US Tokyo Olympics 2020 Contender Reveals How Michael Phelps Has Been Helping Her on a Personal Level
The swimming events in Tokyo Olympics start on July 24th. Moreover, team USA and Australia are the clear favorites to fight it out in the swimming events.
Despite Michael Phelps’ absence from the event, many talented swimmers have come to the forefront. Caeleb Dressel, Katie Ledecky, and Regan Smith are some of the talented swimmers to watch out for.
However, there is a hardworking female swimmer in Hali Flickinger who looks to win gold medals for her country. And who coached her? Michael Phelps.
The legendary swimmer, along with head coach Bob Bowman, are her coaches ahead of the sporting event in Japan.
Hali Flickinger talks about Michael Phelps’ influence
The talented swimmer showcased her talents in the US swimming trials and proved to the audience in attendance why she is the favorite heading to Tokyo. While setting a time of 2:05.85 in the 200-meter butterfly event, she is the favorite to win the event in Tokyo.
Despite her amazing performances, the influence of Michael Phelps in her career was important. In a recent interview, she spoke about Phelps’ influence on her career.
“Just like Bob, Michael Phelps has done more for me than I think he realizes. I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be, or where they are, but each time they speak, I listen and I’m able to stick that in my toolbox. It’s a blessing to be learning from the best.
Had a BLAST and some good laughs at the #CSS19 thank you @fina1908 @USASwimming for putting on such a great meet! @Mike2Swim pic.twitter.com/br9eic04sw
— Hali Flickinger (@Hali_Flickinger) June 2, 2019
“Everything he says I soak in, but it’s more about learning from his perspective. He gives advice but learning how he looks at things and how he approaches things and what he thought. That’s the biggest thing I’m learning from him,” said Flickinger.
After finishing seventh in the 200-meter butterfly race in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Hali got determined to show a better showing in Tokyo. Working with Phelps certainly helped her out to improve her technique, as well as, to build better mental fortitude.
The 27-year-old swimmer is also competing in the 400-meter individual medley. Ironically, Phelps’ experience in the 200m individual medley will help her.
Phelps’ dominance in the medley event
He has won four gold medals for the 200m IM event in four consecutive Olympics. The incredible swimmer is the greatest Olympian of all time surely is the way forward for Hali to improve her mental strength. Under the tutelage of Phelps, Flickinger has improved leaps and bounds while becoming one of the most improved swimmers on the roster.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 09: Michael Phelps of the United States celebrates winning gold in the Men’s 200m Butterfly Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on August 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Even though she is strong with her freestyle and backstrokes, one similarity to Phelps will be the breaststroke. Like Phelps, Hali struggles during this phase of the race. But more training and improving her technique make her an interesting prospect for Tokyo. During the US trials, she came in second place with a time of 4:33.96.
While the US swimming team is strong like their predecessors, fans expect new swimmers look to showcase their talents. The swimming events start on July 24 and Flickinger is set to compete in the heats and looks to put in a convincing performance.
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