This will likely be the final time these two compete, as Phelps has said he’s all but assuredly done with competitive swimming after these Games. The Americans are the top two all-time performers in the event. “I wanted that one so bad last night!”
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Through the first few days of Olympic competition, this space has mostly led off with the exploits of big-name US athletes (i.e., Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky), and it will undoubtedly do so several more times before its run ends.
Michael Phelps won his 21st career Olympic gold medal on Tuesday night, aided by Ryan Lochte in the 4x200m freestyle relay.
Watch the live stream of round one of men’s golf at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Lochte has owned the 200 IM world record for seven years, but Phelps usually comes out on top against him.
“It’s going to take a ideal performance in order to beat him just because of how tough a competitor he is”, Lochte said. The clock is ticking down on Phelps, who races five more times before hanging up his suit at age 31. “I don’t know, I think we were all swimming for Schmitty”.
The Brazilians have a stake in the 200 IM, too. Keep an eye on Japan’s Kosuke Hagino, who also has a shot to make the podium.
Ledecky turned in a split of 1 minute, 53.74 seconds, which was almost 2 1-2 seconds faster than her next-fastest teammate, Allison Schmitt in 1:56.21.
“I want what’s best for this team”, she said.
The 19-year-old turned in another overpowering performance to carry the United States to victory in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay, capturing her third gold and fourth medal overall at the Rio Olympics.
Rounding out the heats are the women’s 100-meter freestyle, the men’s 200-meter backstroke and women’s 4×200-meter.
Cate Campbell posted the fastest time in the semifinals, an Olympic-record 52.71 seconds and younger sister Bronte was fifth-fastest at 53.29.
The Americans are also the defending world champions in the 800 free relay.
“I am grateful for where I am right now, to be able to stand up there and hear our national anthem is something I am definitely soaking in”, she said. It was DiRado’s third Olympic medal, and Smith’s second.
Nathan Adrian will try to defend his 100-meter Olympic title. Kazakhstan claimed its first-ever swimming medal – a gold one, at that – when Dmitriy Balandin pulled off a stunning upset in the 200 breaststroke.
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Balandin touched in 2 minutes, 7.46 seconds.
