Michael Phelps of the United States speaks with the media during a press conference at the Main Press Centre ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 3, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Elsewhere in the pool, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, will attempt to avenge his London 2012 defeat to Chad le Clos in the men’s 200m butterfly (final 2.28am).
Michael Phelps began the final chapter of his storied career with a golden hue on Sunday as he helped the US men’s team to victory in the 4×100 meters freestyle relay to collect his 23rd Olympic medal.
A big round purple bruise on his right shoulder, USA swimmer Michael Phelps emerged from the pool in his qualifying heat for the 200-metre butterfly on Monday feeling the aches and the toll of late-night races in his fifth Olympics.
Katie Ledecky beat Phelps to bed by about 15 minutes after winning the 400 free in world-record time Sunday.
Her arms churning effortlessly through the water, Ledecky touched almost 5 seconds ahead of her closest pursuer and quickly whipped around to look at the scoreboard.
Phelps retired four years ago, insisting he was done with swimming, only to return for what he calls his real farewell, the one that will send him out the way he really wants to go.
While waiting to race in the second semifinal heat, Le Clos engaged in some Rocky style training montage while Phelps gave him the icy death stare.
Breaststroke sensation Adam Peaty earned Great Britain its first gold medal of the Games with a typically stylish performance.
HollywoodLifers, how many more gold medals do you think Michael will win in Rio? “I didn’t realize it was a world record”.
“I guess we’ll see over the next couple of days”.
Defending champions France took silver in 3:10.53. “The younger guys started crying, I started crying”.
While most athletes are simply competing for gold and glory, le Clos has another source of motivation.
Phelps responded with a 50.45, the fastest time in the world in 2015 and the fifth-fastest ever.
“I hope that’s a good sign”, Phelps said.
Meanwhile, compatriot Katie Ledecky also advanced to the semi-finals of the women’s 200m freestyle competition, finishing fastest in the heats by nearly a second at 1:55.01 to second-place Emma McKeon’s 1:55.80. But le Clos was coming off a challenging double after becoming the first South African to medal (bronze) in the 200 freestyle.
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Phelps has been part of the 4×100 free relay at the last three Olympics, even though the 100 free has never been one of his individual specialties.
