Lochte, whose only indiviudal event at these games is the 200 IM, needs a medal to pass American women Jenny Thompson, Dara Torres and Natalie Coughlin to become the second-most-decorated swimmer behind Phelps and the fourth-most-decorated athlete regardless of sport. Phelps won each time and Lochte finished second, third and second.
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Despite sleeping just five hours, he didn’t feel too shabby.
Dwyer led off the relay in 1:45.23 before giving way to Haas, who split a staggering 1:44.14, by far the fastest split among the 32 relay legs swum.
“This is a race I really wanted tonight”, Phelps said.
Heading into the 200 fly final, there was much anticipation for Phelps’ latest showdown against Chad le Clos.
He had been texting with his friend, former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, on the subject of athletic commitment.
Leah Smith, who won the bronze medal in the 400 free on Sunday night, and battled with Australia in the final 50.
An hour passed when Phelps added the 21st gold to his collection by helping team United States of America win the 4×200 freestyle relay together with Conor Dwyer, Townley Haas and Ryan Lochte, who swam the first three legs and let him finish the event. The lineup for the nighttime relay won’t be announced until closer to the session’s start, but all who participate in the morning preliminary are eligible for a medal, if the nighttime squad wins one. Phelps clocked a time of 1 minute 53.36 seconds.
‘I’m definitely tired a little bit, ‘ said Phelps, who admits doubles like the 200m fly-4x100m free don’t come as easily as they used to now that he’s 31.
“Tomorrow I just have to swim my own race and leave everything out there”, the 21-year-old Japanese told AFP after winning his heat in 1:57.38.
After two silvers and a bronze, the Spanish swimmer made it to the top rung of the podium with a victory in the women’s 200-meter butterfly.
Phelps celebrates his 20th gold medal.
He won the gold in 2004 and 2008 (when his goggles filled and he could not see), then finished second in 2012.
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Few would bet against her making it three golds, with the American holding the world record in the event.
