New look, same old Phelps ready to take on world

DETROIT, Feb 21 (Reuters) Michael Phelps plans to shave his goatee and perhaps more time off his world records when he leads a powerhouse US squad to Australia for next month's world championships.

Phelps delivered an ominous warning over the weekend to his challengers in Melbourne, winning five events at the Missouri Grand Prix, highlighted by a world record in the 200 metres butterfly on Saturday.

''After the race my coach said that was the first world record he's ever seen set by someone with a goatee,'' Phelps said during a conference call yesterday. ''Hopefully, with a little bit of tapering, a little bit of rest, I definitely feel I will be able to take it out a little harder.

''If we can fine-tune some things I could be faster, that's the goal.

''We'll see how long I'll keep the facial hair, if I have anything it will be a joke while I come into Australia.'' Moustache or no moustache, swimming fans will see a different Phelps in Melbourne than the one who raced to six gold medals at the 2004 Olympics.

In almost two years since Athens, Phelps has grown three-quarters of an inch, packed on muscles thanks to an intensive weight training program, developed a new maturity and rekindled his passion for the sport.

''That (world record) was little bit beyond my expectations but I was pleased he was able to do it and to do it a way that I think he can go faster in Melbourne,'' Phelps's coach Bob Bowman said. ''We put a big emphasis on strength training this year.

''The strength training has been added at this time because Michael and his natural growth progression was at a point where he can benefit from being stronger.

''Before we were really focused on his endurance capabilities and the next step is to build strength and but the total package together.

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