Olympic teammate bemoans Michael Phelps work ethic

Tyler Clary has called out US Olympic swim teammate Michael Phelps for a poor work ethic, saying the 14-time Olympic champion could have done more had he worked hard.

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Clary made his comments to the Press-Enterprise newspaper in his hometown of Riverside, California, about observations he made of Phelps for a year at the University of Michigan four years ago.

"I saw a real lack of preparation (from) him," Clary said. "Basically he was a swimmer that didn't want to be there. They can talk about all of these goals and plans and preparation they have. I saw it. I know. It's different. And I saw somebody that has basically been asking to get beat for the longest time."

Clary might have seen Phelps at the toughest time, however, just after his record eight-gold haul from the Beijing Olympics when he gained weight and was not motivated.

"The fact that I know I work harder than he does makes me appreciate every little goal and every little gain that I make," Clary said.

"And the day that it happens, when I finally beat him, is going to be a huge deal in my mind, because it would be complete satisfaction. And the only thing that would be better than that is breaking the world record."

Clary lost out on an Olympic spot in the 400-metres individual medley to Phelps and Ryan Lochte but was second to Phelps in the 200 butterfly and second again in the 200 backstroke to qualify for London in both of those events.

"The fact that he doesn't have to work as hard to get that done, it's a real shame," Clary said of Phelps. "It's too bad. You see that all too often, where you get athletes that are incredibly talented that really take it for granted.

"All it takes is one workout and you can easily see it's a whole difference as far as work ethic goes.

"I think the things he could have done if he'd worked as hard as I do would have been even more incredible than what he has pulled off."