United States’ Ryan Lochte and United States’ Michael Phelps, right, compete during a men’s 200-meter individual medley semifinal during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Phelps earned his 15th individual Olympic gold, breaking his tie with Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina for the record.
Lochte’s mother, Ilena, will be one of his most boisterous cheerleaders at his final 2016 Olympic race Thursday evening.
Added Lochte, “We bring the best out of each other”.
Lochte and Phelps have combined to win the 200 IM at 13 of the last 14 major worldwide meets.
That’s because a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation announcer called the entire race confusing Phelps for Lochte.
Michael Phelps has won his 22nd Olympic Gold medal in the men’s 200m Individual Medley.
“But Ryan Lochte is going for it and Phelps doesn’t look like he has this one in him”.
If it were up to Phelps’ mother, Debbie, an Olympic career than began when her son was 15 years old would continue in 2020. Lochte showed up four years later in Athens, and ever since, has had to swim in the shadow of the most triumphant Olympian ever. “But at the same time I love a challenge, and that’s why I do the events that I do and going up against him is a challenge”. Phelps withstood a fierce challenge from compatriot Bryan Lochte and local favorite Thiago Pereira to clinch an awesome win.
“I am just happy to be able to finish the way I wanted to”.
“I’ve always said don’t judge me when I’m running like a lion, judge me when my back’s against the wall”. “I feel like we have a lot of hungry kids who are pumped for the next four years”.
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“I wouldn’t say it’s all or nothing”, Lochte said.
