“I wish I put on a little bit more of a show for everyone”, Lochte said, still winded moments after the 200m Individual Medley in Rio.
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Billed as a second duel in the pool, this time between him and United States teammate Ryan Lochte, it ended as a one-sided contest with Phelps in a class of his own. They were friends. And rivals.
It was Phelps won his 22nd Olympic gold and in the fourth consecutive 200m individual medley title in 1:54.66 seconds. It seemed like there were no more records for him to break, but he managed to find a few more to tear down. His remarkable career – both in Olympic competition and other events in between – has had the misfortune of taking place during the Michael Phelps era. Phelps’ 15 tops Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina.
While Phelps holds the record for most decorated Olympian with 21 medals, Lochte is the second most decorated Olympic swimmer with 12 medals.
With the win, Manuel became the first African-American woman to capture gold in swimming. Phelps chose not to compete in that event this year.
This long-awaited showdown is expected to be the last meeting between Phelps and Lochte, who are 31 and 32 years old, respectively. He ran three separate races: the stadion, the diaulos and the hoplitodromos in four separate Olympics.
Brazil’s Thiago Pereira went off fastest, leading from Phelps after the butterfly leg, with Lochte and Hagino neck-and-neck just behind. Schooling, is a swimmer for University of Texas, will reportedly receive a $750,000 bonus from the Singaporean National Olympic council.
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“You know, just recover, especially how old I am right now”, Lochte said.
