Phelps wins 400m medley gold at Austin meet

American swimming star Michael Phelps won the men’s 400-meters individual medley at the Austin Grand Prix.

The 16-time gold medallist at the Olympics dominated the medley with a time of four minutes 16.95 seconds, more than four seconds ahead of runner-up Conor Dwyer, who touched the wall in 4:21.16. Canada’s Andrew Ford was third in 4:21.99.

“I am really, really pleased,” Phelps was quoted as saying by Xinhua Saturday.

Phelps, who also won the 100m butterfly Friday, seized the lead in the opening 50 meters and held on for the victory against the eight-man field.

Phelps, who won eight gold medals at Beijing in 2008, is using the Grand Prix to prepare for the London Olympics in July-August.

“I try not to listen to whatever anyone says,” Phelps said. “There is always something to fire me up. I welcome all the comments. Bring them on. It will help me swim faster in the future.”