Popov had already missed a chance at making history in the 100m freestyle. This is his final opportunity. If only it was as easy to achieve as it has been for the media to predict all week. Hall clocked 22.07seconds, van den Hoogenband 22.11, Ervin 22.13, then came Popov with 22.17. Just one-tenth of a second between the four, but that is what the mad dash is all about.
Victory can come down to the length of one's fingernails.
Hall, the silver medallist in Atlanta behind the Russian, was happy with his swim and his lane-four assignment for the final. It's a good position to be in for the final. Van den Hoogenband, who admitted he had that one celebratory beer after Wednesday night's heroics, said he was hoping to get under 22seconds. If I win a medal, that's fine, but I already have two. I didn't get much rest last night.