Ryan Lochte believes he will need a flawless performance in order to defeat Michael Phelps in Thursday’s 200 metre individual medley at Rio 2016. Phelps went on to collect his medals and got choked up on the podium as America’s national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”, played in the background.
Advertisement
Before Phelps and Lochte go at it in the pool, Katie Ledecky swims the preliminaries of the 800 freestyle, her last individual event in Rio.
But there was no doubt the night belonged to the 31-year-old Phelps and not only because he became the oldest man to win an individual swimming title at the Games.
Lochte has owned the 200 IM world record for seven years, but Phelps usually comes out on top against him.
“[Phelps] has been talking a lot of smack in the media about how slow the butterfly is, so I just can’t wait until I race him”, he previously told reporters, via Fox News.
Phelps and Lochte will race for the gold in the finals Thursday night. Lochte beat Phelps in the 400 IM on the first day of swimming in London, his most notable victory on a big stage in their rivalry.
Half a lifetime ago, Phelps told the station his other big concerns were adjusting to the new time zones when swimming overseas and getting his learner’s permit to drive. “I’ve been able to put my body through things like this over the years and hopefully I can keep it going one last time”.
Japanese athlete Kosuke Hagino, the 400 metre individual medley champion was second, recording a time of 1 minute 56.61 seconds.Wang Shun of China claimed the bronze medal with a time of 1 minute 57.05 seconds.
Michael Phelps is one of the most decorated Olympians and history and is arguably the best swimmer to ever have graced the sport.
Advertisement
World record-holder Cate Campbell of Australia led the way into the semi-finals of the women’s 100m freestyle in an Olympic record of 52.78.
