Canadian commentator mixes up lanes, declares Lochte victor over Phelps

In an interview with NBC leading up to Thursday tonight’s climatic 200m IM, an event the two have gone head-to-head in since 2004, Lochte mused on his legacy with one of the most Lochte-esque quotes ever. This final was billed as the last competitive race between the 32-year-old and his longtime friend and rival Phelps.

During the finals of the 200m individual medley, commentator Elliotte Friedman confused Ryan Lochte for Michael Phelps.

Lochte echoed the sentiment. The American swimmer now has won two individual and two relay golds at his fifth Olympics, raising his medal count to 26, including two silvers and two bronzes.

Even if Phelps doesn’t return for Tokyo, he will still compete in the men’s 100-meter butterfly finals on Friday – which probably means one more gold medal for good measure…

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Japan’s Kosuke Hagino won silver followed by Wang Shun of China, who took bronze.

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 12: Michael Phelps said on Friday that he was grateful for the chance to finish his glittering career on his own terms after setting a new Olympic record in Rio. “And Phelps might not even make the podium!”

“We are able to get these guys some swims at this level and I think it’s something that hopefully is going to help them throughout their career”, he said.

American Ryan Murphy completed a backstroke sweep with a victory Thursday night in the 200 meters in 1:53.62, extending his country’s dominance of the events that goes back to 1992.

That’s because a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation announcer called the entire race confusing Phelps for Lochte.

“I guarantee he will be there”, Lochte said, via A.J. Perez of USA Today.

It’s safe to say that 15-year-old Michael would probably be pretty pleased right now.