But I gave it 110 percent. No swimmer has ever done that in Olympic history.
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Let’s not forget Lochte in this, considering it was the final race of an outstanding Olympic run. “Ryan Lochte, going for his 13th career medal, saving the best for last”, exclaimed CBC’s Elliotte Friedman, as Phelps, not his American teammate, thundered down the final 50 meters. “Nothing surprises me anymore with that guy”. Anything he does in the sport of swimming he deserves it, because I know how hard he trains day in and day out. “Anytime I get up and race him, it’s the best”. The American passed the modern mark eight years ago when he bested Ray Ewry’s record of eight Olympic titles.
Japan’s Kosuke Hagino took the silver, while China’s Wang Shun claimed the bronze. It was yet another extraordinary swim from Phelps, who has now won two individual and two relay golds at his fifth Olympics, two years after coming out of retirement. Later, Phelps choked up during the national anthem. Talking with him, he’s one of the rookies I’m very close with.
Lochte was first after 100 meters and third after 150.
Lochte has always been known for his workout ethic in and out of the pool, so it would surprise no one if he continued pushing for Tokyo 2020.
Phelps’ old foe Ryan Lochte led at the halfway point, but the world record-holder in the event couldn’t hang on and finished fifth.
“This is my last one”, Michael said to reporters, as some were skeptical that he might un-retire, like he did after hanging up his swimming goggles following the 2012 Olympics, per The Daily Beast.
Enough golds to further cement his status as the most-decorated Olympian of all time and ― somehow even more impressively ― enough individual victories to break a more than 2,000-year-old Olympic record, set by Leonidas of Rhodes in 152 B.C. He called his totals “insane” and “mind-blowing” earlier in the meet, and they are only getting more so. In the shadow of Phelps it’s so easy to forget, as it’s been throughout the entirety of their careers.
“We bring out the best in each other”, Lochte said.
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“I look forward to getting home to a Ravens game really soon”, Phelps said. “And I’m going say it again that he’s going to come back for 2020”.
