Superb Michael Phelps writes yet more history in Rio as he claims 22nd gold medal win
The American wins the Olympic 200 metres individual medley to become the first swimmer to win the same event at four consecutive Games
Michael Phelps of the United States won the Olympic 200 metres individual medley on Thursday to capture the 22nd gold medal of his career and become the first swimmer to win the same event at four consecutive Games.
Japan’s 400 IM champion Kosuke Hagino won silver and Wang Shun of China took bronze, both moving dramatically through the field on the final length after turning in fifth and seventh place.
It was yet another extraordinary swim for Phelps, 31, who has now won two individual and two relay golds at his fifth Olympics, two years after coming out of retirement.
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His medal haul has now risen to 26, including two silvers and two bronzes, with the 100 metres butterfly still to come.
He was lauded by the Rio crowd with one banner proclaiming “Phelps Greatest Olympian Ever” and Phelps swayed slightly and breathed deeply as he listened to the US anthem at the victory ceremony with his eyes moist.
There was little time to savour the moment, however, as he raced back off the pool deck to get ready for the semi-finals of the 100m butterfly, which he also has the chance to win for a fourth successive Games.