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Davis Tarwater might be Michael Phelps' biggest fan.
Tarwater, who was an All-American at the University of Michigan, narrowly missed out on a spot on the 100 meter butterfly at trials. He finished fifth; only the top four qualified.
But after the race, Phelps decided that he would drop the 200 meter freestyle from his already cluttered Olympic docket. This caused some shuffling and ultimately freed up a spot for Tarwater, who will swim the 800 meter freestyle relay.
From The Knoxville News Sentinel:
"I don't think (Phelps) was thinking about that when he made his decision," Tarwater said in a telephone interview before he made his return flight to Omaha. "But I do know he will be happy for me.
"I'm so humbled, so thankful."
The qualification and medal rounds for the 800 meter freestyle relay -- also known as the 4x200 -- will take place July 29. Here is a complete schedule of swimming events.
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