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Brett Favre doesn't come out of retirement, Tiger Woods misses the cut in a major, Lance Armstrong plays second fiddle in the Tour de France, and now someone beats Michael Phelps in the pool. What is this strange and frightening world we live in? Next you'll tell us fans cheered a baseball slugger in his return from a 50-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. What's that? They did? On the road, you say? But the Mets are still a mess, right? That's a start.

Phelps added to a summer of vulnerable legends, losing in the final of the 200-meter freestyle at the world championships, his first loss in a major race since 2005 (although he bounced back with a win Wednesday). Depending on which party you listen to, he lost either to German Paul Biedermann or to a bodysuit that would make "Q" from the James Bond movies blush and that happened to be wearing Biedermann.

The winner essentially said he owed the victory to the suit, which will be illegal next year. Records have been tumbling right and left at the world championships, but is that really such a bad thing? Swimming aficionados might think so (like baseball traditionalists with more of a chlorine smell), but SportsNation says more world records means more attention.

• Voters say Usain Bolt more likely than Phelps to dominate London in 2012
• Is Phelps a bigger deal than Armstrong these days? SportsNation's not so sure
• Groups: U.S.A. Olympic Club | 2012 London Summer Olympics

“

Whats the deal with theses swimsuits do they have a motor on them or something.

” -- lonnie61990

“

Hollow record. Phelps is still the best ever. Thorpe is still the fastest ever.

” -- steelergal00

“

I cannot believe all of the negative posts about Michael Phelps that I'm reading. His speedo suit worn in the Olympics was available to all athletes so that doesn't take away his accomplishments at the Olympics. Regarding this newest suit that isn't made by Speedo, it will be illegal soon. So I would just put an astirek by any of the world records that are set at these games. And Phelps is not done, he will reclaim his WR in the 200 Free guaranteed.

” -- LasVegasDDS