Phelps in troubled waters

ROME – Germany’s Paul Biedermann handed Michael Phelps his first major individual loss in four years – and snatched his world record, too – with a stunning win in the 200-meter freestyle at the world swimming championships on Tuesday.

Virtually unknown outside his country before this meet, Biedermann has erased Ian Thorpe from the record book in the 400 free and knocked off the most successful Olympian in history – all in the space of three days.

“I’m not pleased,” Phelps said, acknowledging he wasn’t in the best shape after taking six months off to revel in his great haul of China.

But Biedermann’s performance stirred up even more debate about the high-tech bodysuits that are being banned by the sport’s governing body beginning in 2010. Biedermann wore an Arena X-Glide, one of those polyurethane suits that are generally considered faster than the Speedo LZR Racer, the once-revolutionary suit Phelps wore.

When the suit mess is sorted out, Phelps can’t wait for the rematch – on what he considers equal terms.

“It’s going to be fun next year,” he said, “when swimming is back to swimming.”

Biedermann relished his win but acknowledged that he had a technological edge.

“The suits make a difference,” the 22-year-old German said. “I hope there will be a time when I can beat Michael Phelps without these suits. I hope next year. I hope it’s really soon.”

Biedermann’s upset launched another night of record breaking. Four more world standards were bumped from the books, bringing the total to 15 through the first three days of an eight-day meet. That equals the number of records set at the last worlds in Melbourne two years ago, and will soon go right on past the staggering 25 worlds marks set last summer at the Olympics.   (AP)