Four-way free-for-all

MICHAEL PHELPS/USA
Hermes, the fleet messenger bearing news that the old gods better watch out for the new one
VITAL STATS: Age 19, 6-4, 195 pounds
POOLSIDE STATS: Though his best time, the U.S. record of 1:45.99, is nearly two seconds off Thorpe’s, Phelps sought out the race, saying in July that he believed it could be among the greatest 200 freestyles ever. Last beat Thorpe in the 200 IM last year
THE QUOTE: He’s probably the fourth choice, but I’m a betting man. (Phelps’s coach Bob Bowman)

GRANT HACKETT/AUS
Aires, son of Zeus, and father of Victory
VITAL STATS: Age 24, Height 6-6, Weight 198 pounds
POOLSIDE STATS: Known as ‘‘the machine,’’ because of his dominance of the 1,500 freestyle, in which he holds the world record. 2000 Olympic bronze medalist in the 200m freestyle behind van den Hoogenband and Thorpe, Hackett beat Thorpe on July 6 in Brisbane with a time of 1:49.18. But both downplayed the result. Hackett looked forbidding with his head shaved last week but vowed he would enjoy himself.
THE QUOTE: I don’t get too serious about it all. At the end of the day it’s a sporting event.

HOOGENBAND/HOLLAND
The Apollo of the race, the handsome sun god, with a chin dimple and a brilliant smile
VITAL STATS: Age 26, 6-4, 183 pounds
POOLSIDE STATS: The title holder who beat Thorpe in the event in his hometown four years ago in 1:45.35. Not only had he won, the Dutch exulted, but he had done so in the ‘‘hol van de leeuw,’’ the lion’s den.
THE COACH: Jacco Verhaeren (35), who walks the pool deck in bare feet and baseball cap and looks more like a swimmer than a coach

(LA Times-Washington Post)