AQUATICS: Phelps claims third race at Winter Championships by John Green

www.telegraph.co.uk

Michael Phelps roared home to win the 200 metre butterfly and claim his third victory in as many days at the US Winter National Championships on Saturday.

The 18-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the event clocked one minute, 56.11 seconds as he continues his preparations for an Olympic comeback next year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Chase Kalisz finished 1.01 seconds back in second while Dakota Hodgson was third in 1:59.09, three seconds slower than Phelps at the King County Aquatic Centre in Seattle, Washington.

Phelps was still well off his American record of 1:52.20 set in 2008. He set the world record of 1:51.51 a year later in Rome.

Phelps swam the final 50 metres in 30.08 seconds to finish comfortably ahead of Kalisz, who was also the runner-up to Phelps in the 200 individual medley on Thursday.

Phelps won the 100 metre butterfly on Friday.