Michael Phelps qualifies 4th-fastest for 400 freestyle at Santa Clara

Phelps qualifies 4th in 400 free at Santa Clara

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Michael Phelps has qualified fourth-fastest for the 400-meter freestyle final at the Santa Clara International Grand Prix.

The 14-time Olympic medalist won his heat in 3 minutes, 53.08 seconds on Saturday, swimming an event that he rarely competes in. That put him fourth heading into Saturday night’s final at the outdoor pool, where cool, windy weather has prevailed during the first two days of the meet.

Patrick Murphy of Australia led qualifying in 3:51.39. Ryan Cochrane was second in 3:53.39, followed by Michael Klueh in 3:52.65.

Phelps is competing in just one race Saturday. He won the 200 butterfly by a whopping 5.67 seconds Friday night.