By qualifying for the 200 butterfly finalMichael Phelps becomes the first swimmer to make the Olympic final in the same event in five consecutive Games. Nothing unusual. But his demeanor quickly changed once South Africa’s Chad le Clos began a shadowboxing performance in front of Phelps’ seat.
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His only individual events in Rio are the 100m and 200m butterflies and the 200m individual medley.
It turns out Phelps got the better of le Clos this time, finishing second in his heat to Hungary’s Tamás Kenderesi and more than a full second ahead of le Clos, who came in third.
Michelle Tafoya, then, asked Phelps what he thought of Le Clos’ pre-race routine. Le clos was third and qualified for Tuesday’s final with a 1:55.19.
Fellow Cal alumnus Anthony Ervin also played a role in the U.S.’s victory, helping America clinch the No. 2 seed during the event’s preliminary round with a split of 47.65 seconds. American Tom Shields finished 20th overall and failed to advance to the semis.
Nine Olympic sports will be awarding 15 gold medals Tuesday at the Rio Olympics, and the competitions include four big battles in the pool and the ever-dazzling women’s team gymnastics title.
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The most decorated Olympian in history has already added to his total this year. Phelps won his record 19th Olympic gold medal Sunday night as part of the USA team in the the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay.
