Michael Phelps of the United States won the Olympic 200 metres individual medley on Thursday to capture the 22nd gold medal of his career and become the first swimmer to win the same event at four consecutive Games. My body doesn t feel like an 18 year old now.
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The previous record was held by Leonidas of Rhoses, who is believed to have won more Olympic titles at the ancient games than anyone else.
After his Olympic Trials performance was diminished by injury, the 200 IM was his only opportunity to win individual gold and beat his friend, rival and Rio roommate Phelps. “As a kid I wanted to do something that no one had ever done before and I’m enjoying it”.
“Things started to hit me this morning”, he said.
“I saw Simone’s name and I thought I came second, then I saw “Olympic record” by both names and I thought: ‘That’s insane, no one ties at the Olympics’. This medal is also for those who come behind me and find a love and drive for this sport”.
“To be able to come back and win my fourth 200 IM in a row, I don’t even know how to put that into words”.
“This has been a very, very special week so far, for me, closing out my career”. But he is feeling his 31 years now. Fellow American Ian Crocker was the reigning world record holder in the event and Serbian Milorad Čavić said it would be good if Phelps lost before the race.
“Hopefully I have the chance to do it again”. That’s something when I do retire I will miss.
Phelps cried and puffed out his cheeks while the anthem played after his 200m individual medley victory, extending a winning streak which began in Athens 12 years ago.
Phelps clocked 1 minute, 54.66 for a comfortable winning margin of 1.95 seconds over 400 IM champion Kosuke Hagino of Japan.
Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte raced one last time for supremacy in the 200-meter individual medley, but one of the best rivalries in sports went out not with a bang but a gurgle.
“I think that this win helps bring hope and change to some of the issues that are going on in the world”, Manuel said.
Phelps led from Pereira and Lochte at the final turn and powered on as the other two faded, opening the way for Hagino and Wang to grab the two other medals. Then he jumped out of the pool to receive his medal before heading back in to qualify for Friday’s 100-meter butterfly final.
Joseph Schooling of Malaysia was the fastest qualifier in 50.83.
For Phelps, it was all about finishing in the top eight, to advance to the final.
“I probably wouldn’t be the swimmer I am today if it wasn’t for Michael because we bring out the best of each other”, said Lochte, who grew up in Daytona Beach and swam at Florida.
The 200 IM would have been a hard race for Phelps regardless, stuffed as it was between his preliminary heat and his semifinal for the 100-meter butterfly. “My legs are hurting”.
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“It’s been a hell of a career”.
