Rio 2016: Michael Phelps wins gold, beats Ryan Lochte in Men’s 200m IM

Michael Phelps continue his remarkable run in his fifth Olympic Games at Rio 2016, defeating Ryan Lochte to win gold in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley

Despite being 31 years old, Michael Phelps hasn’t let up a bit at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Coming in already holding the record for most gold medals and overall medals won in the Games, he’s been adding more. On Thursday night on Day 6 from Rio, he was searching for a 22nd gold medal. However, he’d have to take down his teammate and competition in Ryan Lochte in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley.

As you’d expect with two of the best ever to compete in Olympics swimming going head-to-head, the hype was massive for this final. Not only that, but Phelps was also facing a tough schedule on Thursday night with a race right after the medal ceremony. However, you don’t win 25 total medals by counting your chickens before they’ve hatched. So Phelps was focused on the Men’s 200m IM and taking down a teammate in Lochte.

Both Phelps and Lochte had dominated the event over the past decade. Not only were there numerous gold medals from Olympics and championships, but also a world record for Lochte involved. Meanwhile, though, Lochte had never won Olympic gold in the 200m IM. Michael Phelps on the other hand was looking to make it four in a row at the Games.

The race was certainly close for the first 100m everyone was right with Phelps in the pool. However, Michael Phelps made his final turn into freestyle and pulled away. He missed out on a world record, but only barely, to earn his 22nd gold medal and 26th overall. Unfortunately, Lochte failed to medal, trailing off in the final 50m. Either way, Phelps continues to dominate everyone in Rio—just for old time’s sake.