Swimmer Michael Phelps has come back from his busiest day in the pool at the Beijing Olympics to qualify second fastest for tomorrow's 200m individual medley final at the National Aquatic Centre.

Phelps looked comfortable throughout his semi-final to win in the time of 1:57.70, just over half a second outside his Olympic record he set in Athens.

The twenty-three year old was just one one-hundredth of a second off of the fastest time, which was swam by fellow American Ryan Lochte, winning his semi-final in a time of 1:57.69.

A notable mention goes to Ken Tawakuwa of Japan who set an Asian Record to finish third in the first semi-final in a time of 1:58.49.

Phelps will return to the pool tonight in the heats of the men’s 100m butterfly.

The American has already become the first Olympian to win ten Olympics gold medals and break history during the Beijing Olympics. (Story: Michael Phelps greatest Olympian of all time)

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Tags: beijing olympics, sport, swimming