I almost couldn’t believe what I was seeing! He stayed underwater while everyone else was on the surface slamming their arms around — Phelps passed the French guy UNDERWATER!
Like you said, he was moving through the water like a dolphin after pushing off the wall. Just incredible. No way we win gold without that move.
31 now, huh?
Good for him!!
Swimmers are faster when underwater. That is why the rules only allow them to stay under for 15 meters.
Below is a video of a college kid staying underwater for the whole 50m and finishing far ahead of the others. He was DQ-d of course.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vox9KOxC1ZA