Superman had kryptonite. Michael Phelps apparently has non-polyurethane swimsuits.

While wearing an old-style swimsuit, the 14-time gold medalist failed to qualify for two of three finals at a World Cup meet in Sweden today. Phelps finished 16th in the 100 freestyle, was disqualified in the 100 backstroke, but qualified seventh in the 100 medley. Most of his competitors wore the high-tech suits that dominated the swimming world this year.

Since those body-length, polyurethane suits will be banned starting January 1, 2010, Phelps went back to an old textile suit (which was thought to be the height of technology when it was released in 2008) to prepare for the change. But was that really the reason he flopped so badly in Stockholm?

It played a role, but no suit could ever make 15 guys at a World Cup meet faster than Michael Phelps in the 100 freestyle. There were a number of factors which led to Phelps' poor showing today:

1) It was a short course meet. Instead of the 50 meter pools used in major international competitions, these races were held in a 25 meter pool (like at your local pool). Swimming is swimming no matter what the setting, but short course races focus more on sprint techniques like fast starts, quick turns and explosive strokes, not Phelps' forte.

2) The events weren't his specialties. As mentioned above, Phelps isn't a sprinter. He's trying to mold himself into one, but the goal is to get there by the 2012 Olympics, not at an off-peak meet in 2010. 

3) This meet isn't important: Before the meet Phelps said he was "not in the best shape". His next big event isn't until next August. Him losing these races is like Tom Brady throwing two interceptions in a preseason game. It won't worry him one bit.

4) The suit. We didn't say the suit played no factor in the losses. It's probably fourth on the list of reasons Phelps lost, but there's a reason those suits were involved in nearly 100 races last year that lowered the world record. They're fast. But, as Phelps showed in Rome, when he's at his peak he's able to overcome technology. He's not in top form now. And in 51 days, he won't have to contend with technology either.

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