This is a weakness on the American coaching staff. She should have been counseled in poise and concentration to keep her focus on the task at hand and not letting her ego gain control of her attention. This is the problem that faces all kinds of performers. The American girls looked to distracted. Once the adrenalin starts pumping, the mind races out of control unless one had devoted attention to concentrating solely on the task at hand. It's not easy, and that's where the Americans looked weak to me. The scoreboard is no place to for a performer's mind to dwell upon before the challenge.
Phelps coach had Michael practice with squished goggles so that if he had leaky goggles, he could still win anyway which he did in the 200 fly. Also, US basketball players practice free throws with loudspeakers blaring and others behind the backboard doing all kinds of things.
I’ll give you that, they did look distracted.