Phelps victory completes eight-event programme

By Steve Keating

OMAHA, Nebraska (Reuters) - Michael Phelps closed out the U.S. Olympic trials with a commanding win in the 100 metres butterfly on Saturday, adding a final flourish to his packed Beijing programme.

After seven days, 15 swims and two world records, Phelps has crafted an Olympic schedule that will include eight events, providing the 23-year-old with enough ammunition to attack Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals at a single Summer Games.

"This week turned out the way I wanted it to," Phelps told reporters. "I'm excited and ready for the challenge that lies ahead of me.

"It's a week of competing that has come to a close. We have to prepare ourselves for the Olympics and hopefully we can come back in a month and prove to the world that the U.S. is the best swimming team out there."

The 100m butterfly showdown was a classic contest, pitting the two fastest men all-time in the event, world record holder Ian Crocker against Olympic champion Phelps.

The pair matched each other stroke-for-stroke coming off the final turn before Phelps powered away to touch in 50.89 and complete the trials a perfect five-for-five in finals (the 200 and 400m medley, 100 and 200m butterfly and 200m freestyle).

Phelps will also participate in three relay events in the Chinese capital next month.

After false starting and being disqualified in the 100m freestyle, Crocker made the most of his last chance to make the team for Beijing, where he will try to end Phelps' gold medal run in the 100 butterfly.