Now for Rio: Michael Phelps makes final race on American soil a winning one

Michael Phelps gave the home fans one last thrill when he touched first in the 100 metres butterfly at the US Olympic trials in Omaha, Nebraska, on Saturday in his final race in an American pool.

The world record holder and three-time Olympic champion in the event, Phelps would not be denied a winning send-off as he charged to the wall to the roar of a capacity crowd in a time of exactly 51 seconds, just ahead of Tom Shields.

With his trials over, Phelps heads to Rio for what he says will be his fifth and final Games qualified in three events; the 100 and 200 butterfly and 200 individual medley, ready to add to his staggering record total of 22 Olympic medals.

“Bob [coach Bowman] asked me what the game plan was tonight and I said, ‘I don’t want to lose my last race on American soil’,” said Phelps.

“There’s been a lot of history here and 51 [seconds] is OK but it’s going to take more than that to win a gold medal.”

Phelps began his final US race from an unfamiliar spot, lining up in lane seven.