Unfortunately for Michael Phelps, it became apparent early that he was going to have to do something incredible to win gold.
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Part of confronting that challenge has led to Lochte’s success as one of the all-time greats in swimming. I thought, “Wow, I only have to put a racing suit on two more times after tonight and I only have to warm down one more time after tonight”.
While on the topic, it’s also reasonable to wonder whether Lochte will return for the 2020 Games.
As Rare previously reported, he’s the first swimmer in USA history to win four gold medals in a row, and Phelps’ 13th individual gold medal broke a 2,168-year-old record.
Before facing off against longtime friend and rival Michael Phelps in the 200-meter individual medley at the Rio Olympics Thursday night, Ryan Lochte got a bit sentimental about their last Olympic showdown.
Phelps was sixth at the turn and Schooling – nearly exactly a decade younger than the 31-year-old American – wouldn’t let him pull off one of his patented comebacks on the return lap.
The 31-year-old is competing at his fifth Games and has already extended his record as the most successful Olympian, with his 22nd Olympics gold on Thursday, winning the men’s 200m individual medley event, reports Xinhua. “I think that’s something that you don’t get to see anywhere else”. “No, I’m not. But I’ll just say that”, Phelps said to reporters while answering a question about his son Boomer being able to see him compete in Rio. “He’s still young. I think he will be back for Rio”.
It’s official: Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete of ALL TIME!
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“I apologize”, he said. “I think so. I really think so”. Ryan Lochte, going for his for his 13th career medal, saving the best for last.
