Out, but not forgotten
OMAHA -- Gary Hall Jr. put it all out there tonight, as only the two-time Olympic defending champion in the 50 freestyle could do.
He came out onto the deck for the marquee race, wearing a cape of blue with red trim, and the words "The Godfather of Swimming."
"That was my tribute to James Brown," said Hall, who finished fourth, in 21.91 seconds, ending his bid to make the U.S. team.
The 33-year-old was asked if this was it for him. He joked about going into pro wrestling or politics. Or both?
"This is my last race until I race again," Hall said, smiling. "Look, if Dara [Torres] is 41. In 2016, I'll be 41. I'll probably still be taking time off. The seven-year extended break seemed to work for Dara."
This would have been Hall's fourth Olympics. He competed in Atlanta, Sydney and Athens.
Said Michael Phelps: "He's one of a kind. I've never seen a person like Gary."
Hall looked at a lot of familiar faces in the mixed zone and thanked the media for raising the level of awareness and interest in the sport.
"You aren't thanked enough from athletes," Hall said. "Thank you."
-- Lisa Dillman
Top photo: Gary Hall Jr. walks off the pool deck after finishing fourth, and out of the Beijing Games. Credit: Donald Miralle / Getty Images
Photo at left: Gary Hall Jr. walks onto the pool deck wearing a full-length robe before the final of the 50-meter freestyle. Credit: Jamie Squire / Getty Images
