The longest layoff of Michael Phelps's career doesn't appear to have dimmed the swimming superstar's status as a gold-plated favorite heading into the World Championships later this month. Overall, however, the perennially strong United States team will have weaknesses to overcome on both the men's and women's sides. Phelps punched his ticket to Rome in ...

These are tough times for Katie Hoff. Nearly a year after winning three medals — none gold — at the Beijing Olympics, Hoff has changed coaches, altered her stroke, gotten sick and, worst of all, slowed down. The 20-year-old swimmer failed to qualify this week for the world championships, where she ...

INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Michael Phelps pulled out of the morning heats of the 100 metres freestyle at the U.S. Nationals complaining of a sore neck Friday. The withdrawal means Phelps, winner of a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, will race in just three individual events later this month at the world championships in Rome. Phelps said he ...

Olympic swimming star Michael Phelps pulled out of the 100m freestyle at America's World Championship trials on Friday with a sore neck. Phelps said he received treatment, but "when I hopped in the water and could literally barely turn my head to breathe, we thought it was better not to risk anything the next two weeks." World Championship swimming ...