After Phelps, a kinder, gentler Bob Bowman still producing top swimmers

By PAUL NEWBERRY
AP National Writer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — When Bob Bowman was coaching the world’s greatest swimmer, he’d be the first to concede he was not a very nice person at the pool. Screaming, berating and belittling were an accepted part of the package. Given that Michael Phelps won 23 gold medals at the Olympics, Bowman had little reason to question his over-the-top techniques. Then, Phelps retired. And Bowman took a good, long look at himself in the mirror. He didn’t like what he saw. Bowman coaches with a kinder, gentler style these days, though he’s no less demanding. He jokes that he’s “like a human” now.