Phelps considering Bernard challenge

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

ROME (AFP) — Swimming sensation Michael Phelps said in an interview published Tuesday that he may challenge French Olympic champion Alain Bernard in the 100m freestyle at next year's World Championships.

Phelps set a record of eight Olympic gold medals - beating Mark Spitz's mark of seven from Munich in 1972 - at the Beijing Games.

But the 100m freestyle was not among his conquests as former world record-holder Bernard claimed that ahead of Australia's Eamon Sullivan.

Bernard actually set a world record in the semi-finals in China only to be bettered by Sullivan in the very next semi, although the Frenchman had the last laugh when he won the gold medal the next day.

Now Phelps told Gazzetta dello Sport that he may take on Bernard in next July's World...