Phelps beaten twice

Two races, two defeats - it definitely was not a normal day at the pool for Michael Phelps.

The Olympic hero lost to Canada's Brent Hayden in the 100m freestyle and to fellow American Ryan Lochte in the 100m backstroke on Sunday at the Santa Clara Invitational in California.

Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, now has lost four of eight races since those Games last summer.

"Anyone is beatable, it's just a matter of time and where," Lochte said.

Phelps has won two races and lost two others at each of the two meets in which he has competed since returning from a three-month suspension last month, a penalty imposed by USA Swimming after he was photographed with a marijuana pipe.

He has one more meet before the US national championships, at which the American team for the World Championships will be selected.

Phelps, who is venturing into new events as he looks toward the London Olympics, said he was pleased with his times in both races, despite the defeats.

"Right now, for me, it's about seeing where we are and what we need to improve on," he said.

"The wins are going to be down the road. Overall, I'm pretty happy."

His coach, Bob Bowman, also said he was happy with the results, especially since Phelps was tired after winning the 400m freestyle on Saturday night.

"He always likes to win, but I think he made some progress in the 100 free and his time was pretty good in the 100 back. I'm very happy with the times and where he's at," Bowman said.

"The headline tomorrow is 'Phelps Loses Twice,' but it's something he just has to live with."

Phelps will swim the 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly at the Coupe du Quebec next weekend in Montreal, then join his American team-mates in final training for the US national championships starting July 7.