But gold medals are not Phelps’ only priority as he leads one of the USA’s youngest ever Olympic swimming teams in Rio.
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“It s insane to think about but It s also really cool because I ve been able to do everything that I ever wanted”, he added.
While Phelps’ dominance is expected, a new American star emerged Thursday when Simone Manuel tied for first place in the 100 freestyle. If he gets through to Friday’s final, he’ll also be seeking his fourth gold in a row in that event.
The tension was boiling over before the men’s 200-meter individual medley at Rio 2016. Phelps made a tactical error, though, in the 100 fly heats.
After realizing his mistake, the broadcaster said, “I apologize, I got my lanes mixed up”. “I try not to even think about it because then I get focused on that. But I’d like to have those extra seven, eight minutes in between”. Talking with him, he’s one of the rookies I’m very close with. “But, I mean, I went out there and swam as fast as I could and my color just comes with the territory”.
Phelps lit up many social media feeds earlier in these games, after he gave a death-stare to rival Chad le Clos before a race.
After the anthem was over, Phelps – who after all, is the most senior veteran of medal ceremonies – orchestrated the photo op with Shun and Hagino, gesturing them to step up on the top podium with him.
The record-breaking American stormed to victory in the 200m individual medley to match his London tally four years ago. American swimmers have won it in six consecutive Olympics. Now, the Americans can focus on their showdown with Britain. Two years ago, Russian Federation annexed his home of Crimea and he rejected changing nationality. After all, only one man in swimming has won more. Adrian, bronze medalist in the 100 free on Wednesday, touched in 21.61. Campbell, incredibly, finished outside of the medals in fourth.
Phelps became the third Olympian to win the same individual event at four straight Games, joining discus thrower Al Oerter and Carl Lewis in the long jump in achieving the feat.
Hilary Caldwell of Canada had the second quickest time of 2:07.40. He finished second in the first semifinal and fifth overall to advance to the final, which will be his last individual event.
“Right now, I’m taking it one race at a time”, said Franklin, who is struggling to understand her puzzling lack of form this year. “My goal is going to be making it into the finals”.
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United States’ Ryan Murphy celebrates winning the gold medal in the men’s 200-meter backstroke during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
