As a result, the 200m ‘fly final in Rio was billed to be one of the highlights of the Games as the Le Clos v Phelps rivalry resumed.
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The Maryland swimmer made the face as he prepared for Monday’s race in the 200 meter butterfly semifinal.
Captured via cameras while in the ready room waiting for the men’s 200m butterfly final, Phelps appeared to be projecting his best fierce face/death stare while rival, South African Chad Le Clos shadow-boxed in front of him. “He sent me the photo after Phelps won his 21st gold medal and I knew we had to do it before the Olympics were over, just so we could be included in the fun”.
Tattoo artist Livia Stang of Chronic Ink shared on Instagram the fresh artwork on her boss’ leg.
The tattoo shop owner has received a variety of reactions to his new tattoo, varying from “yeah, that’s awesome” to “oh my God, why would you do that?”
Le Clos pipped pool icon Michael Phelps in the event four years ago, but a hotly anticipated showdown between them fizzled out in Brazil as Phelps dominated this time around.
Fung reflected, “I think I’ll have much bigger concerns in 20 years”.
Now that the image of the tattoo has gone viral, Fung hopes it inspires other people to harness their determination like Phelps, who is set to retire after the 2016 Olympics.
After the disappointment of finishing fourth in the 200m butterfly final, thereby relinquishing his 2012 Gold medal, Le Clos was openly unhappy with his performance.
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“I don’t know what to say”.
