Phelps hails “special” rivalry with Lochte

American Michael Phelps remains on course for his 22nd Olympic gold after he reached the final of the 200m individual medley at the 2016 Olympics. On Thursday, before they race, they’ll be “goofing off, playing card games, just a normal life”, Lochte said.

US swimmers Maya DiRado and Missy Franklin advanced to Thursday night’s semifinals for the women’s 200-meter backstroke, posting the third and 11th fastest times, respectively.

Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. It was also the first American medal of any sort in that event since Peter Westbrook took a bronze at the Eastern bloc-boycotted 1984 Games.

Phelps and Lochte have each medaled in the 200 IM in the last three Olympics.

Lochte finished half a second behind him with Brazil’s Thiago Perreira third in 1:57.11.

“I was prepared for any circumstance, whether we were ahead or behind”, Ledecky said. “We’ll have one more time to hop in the pool and duke it out”.

Phelps has won 21 Golds and a total of 25 medals in competitive swimming, with 12 being individual Golds. He’ll try to become the first swimmer, male or female, to win the same event in four straight Olympics.

Joseph Schooling of Singapore topped the 100 fly heats in 51.41.

“It’s going to take a flawless performance to beat him”, Lochte said. “He won’t give up and that’s awesome. That’s why he brings out the best in me and hopefully I do the exact same for him”.

Michael Phelps’ warm-up playlist features a mix of songs, ranging from Eric Church to Eminem. Many still wonder if things will change down the road, because even at the age of 31, Phelps is still swimming at a peak level. With one egg left in his basket, another 200 IM showdown against Phelps.

After winning the 200-meter freestyle Tuesday night, Ledecky said she was feeling something close to relief, since her most competitive race was behind her and the USA women had won all but one 4×200 freestyle relays at the Olympics.

American Simone Biles heads into the women’s individual all around gymnastics competition at the Rio Olympics with a none-too shabby record: she has already won three world championships and a team Olympic gold just a few days ago.

“The week has gone good so far, and I think I’ll be able to top it off well in the 800”, she said.

Meanwhile the men’s 100-meter freestyle, which took place earlier in the night, is one of the highlights of the Olympic swimming calendar. Bronte is the reigning world champion, but Cate is the world-record holder.

In a snap posted to his own, personal Instagram, Boomer modeled a precious pair of red, white and blue shorts with a white onesie, which featured a flag-waving smiley face cheering “Team Daddy!” – a look he first debuted at the Olympic trials.

Meanwhile, Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands will try to defend her sprint title.

In rugby sevens, Fiji goes against surprising Japan and South Africa faces Great Britain, all trying to get to the evening’s gold-medal match. World champion Mitch Larkin, and Americans Jacob Pebley and 100 back victor Ryan Murphy will vie for medals.