Phelps has long dominated the 200m individual medley, winning gold in the event at the past three Olympics, and will look to complete an incredible four-peat with a victory in Rio. Still, she added two more medals to her trophy case, also getting a silver in the 4×100 relay along with Ledecky.
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“It’s been incredible to see what these guys are doing and just be a part of this group”, said Prenot, whose swim of 2:07.53 was something of a rarity for an American here – one that fell short of his trials time, albeit by a third of a second, “just rolling through this meet and destroying it”.
On Thursday he will be aiming to become the first swimmer to win the same event at four consecutive Olympic Games. Evgeny Rylov was the leading qualifier in 1 minute, 54.45 seconds. She also anchored the U.S. 4x100m free relay team to silver behind Australia. This is the third gold and fourth overall medal for Ledecky at the 2016 Rio Olympics. This, after Franklin failed to even qualify for the final of the 200 freestyle earlier in the week – a development that left her delving into dark chocolate and calling her mother. To be specific, she made up.89 seconds and won by 1.84 seconds.
“It’s good consistency, I guess”, she said nonchalantly.
Swimming next to Lochte, Phelps put up an effortless-looking time of 1:55.78 to claim the prime middle lane in Thursday night’s final. Lochte has won six Olympic golds, 12 total as the second-most decorated male Olympic swimmer.
They’ve already teamed up to lead Australia to a gold medal in the 4×100 freestyle relay.
“When we go up on the blocks, we’re always trying to win – that’s just the competitive instinct we have”, he added.
The teenager from suburban Washington has one more race to go, and it might be the biggest lock of all. So that left it up to Katie to save the day for the USA team, who never led at any point before she dove into the water. Bronte is the reigning world champion, but Cate is the world-record holder. Leah Smith, who won the bronze medal in the 400 free on Sunday night, and battled with Australia in the final 50.
Oh, and let’s not forget Missy Franklin, the darling of the London Games.
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“Ryan brings out the best in me”, Phelps said.
