Phelps Miracle Finish

Sports Illustrated has a series of underwater photos here showing how Michael Phelps beats Milorad Cavic in the 100 Butterfly for the closest of his now presumptive eight gold medals.

I was a swim team coach for summer league age-groupers (ages 4 to 18) during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and we watched some of the swimming events as a team. I saw how important the finish is in winning races, and I showed the team some of the techniques the Olympians used. One of the girls, a 14-year old (her last name was Thomas, I think, her mom was the organizer of the swim team at Willow Forest) came to the pool every day that week and practiced that finish. At the meet on Saturday, she was about a half-length behind this big brute of a girl coming in to the finish of the 13-14 girls 100 IM, and she beat her out at the finish by using the touch she had practiced. It was one of the most rewarding moments I've ever had. Then the other girl's dad came over and asked me to step outside.