fastest 400m medley time of the year at the Indianapolis Grand Prix Friday – raising the prospect he could reprise his Olympic challenge in the event. Phelps swore he wouldn't race the demanding event again after he won it at the Beijing Olympics, part of his record eight-gold haul at the 2008 Games. But the 14-time Olympic gold medallist, who won in 4:12.51, admitted Friday he could change his mind before he finalizes his programme for London. "It all depends on if I'm able to swim the other events," he said. "If it's not going to mess up the over events, who knows? Yes, I know that's different than I said before." Phelps out-dueled fellow American Tyler Clary, taking an early lead on the opening butterfly leg only to have Clary move ahead on the backstroke. Phelps regained the lead in the breaststroke and held off Clary on the closing freestyle. Clary's time of 4:13.01 was the fourth-fastest this year. Phelps said it was the first time he ever swam under 4:13 in the event while in the midst of heavy in-season training. Coach Bob Bowman said a return to the 400m medley in London was a possibility, but even if that doesn't happen Phelps's performance was encouraging. Hungary's Katinka Hosszu won the women's 400m medley in 4:32.83, second-fastest in the world this year behind Hanna Miley. American Caitlin Leverence was a distant second in 4:36.46. Missy Franklin won the women's 200m backstroke in 2:07.97, fourth-quickest in the world this year. — AP
