Barcelona - In the shortest session so far, with a crowd of about 350 spectators speckled throughout the massive basketball stadium that has become a makeshift pool, only a few swimmers appeared unfazed by the humidity and put in solid morning swims.

50 Breast Prelims-Men

It was a quick turn-a-round for the breaststrokers after racing the 100 breast last night. Only James Gibson (GBR) appeared to have woken up in time. His swim of 27.54 was the fastest, followed by Mihaly Flaskay (HUN) and Oleg Lisogor (UKR). Last night’s winner and new world record holder Kosuke Kitajima (JPN) did not even swim the race, scratching from the heats.

Morgan Knabe (CAN) was tied for 16th, he decided to withdraw allowing Remo Lutolf (SUI) to swim the semi-finals.

200 Free Prelims-Women

Lindsay Benko (USA) looked fabulous this morning. Long, strong, relaxed, and very far ahead of the competition. She posted a 1:58.84, a second and a half ahead of everyone and the only woman under 2 minutes in the heats.

200 Fly Prelims-Men

Michael Phelps (USA) and Takashi Yamamoto (JPN) combined for the two fastest swims of the morning in 1:55.70 and 1:56.95, while Tom Malchow (USA) qualified third in 1:57.25. Sixteenth place was a 1:59.00 and it looks like it will take a 1:57 to make the final.

Frank Esposito (FRA), ranked number 1 in the world heading into the competition with a season best of 1:54.70 was last in the final heat with a 2:01.70. He threw three punches into the touch pad upon finishing, but one has to question that kind of anger. Does a 7 second drop from your season best incite that type of rage or should it be more like bewilderment at just how you can go that slow. And it's hardly inexperience, he is 32 and has been at every major international championships since 1991.