Back-to-back losses for Phelps in California

Michael Phelps has lost another race at the Santa Clara International Grand Prix in California.

He was beaten in the 100 freestyle and 100-meter backstroke last night.

The 14-time Olympic gold medalist finished second behind defending world champion Brent Hayden of Canada in the 100 free. Hayden, the leading qualifier, touched in 48.44 seconds. Phelps, swimming in lane 8, clocked 48.87.

Phelps returned later in the 100 back and lost to Olympic teammate Ryan Lochte, who went out fast and held on in 54.15 to complete a sweep of the backstroke events. Phelps touched second in 54.31.

Phelps, meanwhile, is stepping out of the pool for a moment and into the world of children's books.

The 14-time Olympic gold medalist has a new book in stores titled "How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals."

It features illustrations by Ward Jenkins of Phelps, his bulldog Herman and his coach Bob Bowman.

In the book, Phelps describes his training regimen in terms relatable to kids. For example, during 6 years of training, he swam 12,480 miles. He points out that's the same as swimming "from my hometown of Baltimore to the North Pole and back, and doing it all over again!"

"It's a fun way for kids to learn and for me to get a lot of different messages out there," Phelps said last night. "Having Bob and Herman in the book is cool."

In the book, Phelps recalls the 100-meter butterfly race from the Beijing Olympics, when he won by one-hundredth of a second to preserve his successful bid for a record eight gold medals.

The book is published by Simon & Schuster. *