Swimmer Ryan Lochte took the United States’ first gold medal of the Olympic games, with a win in the 400 individual medley. Countryman Michael Phelps came in fourth. The “rivalry” between Lochte and Phelps had been much talked about in anticipation of the event.
The New York Daily News reports, “Phelps and Lochte, both 27, have engaged in cat-and-mouse battles of late. At the U.S. swim trials, they stole glances of each other while breathing to gauge each other’s pace, pushing themselves accordingly.”
Four years ago, swimmer Phelps was considered untouchable. He won eight medals in Beijing, one for every event he competed in–bringing his total medal count to 16.
“He created so much distance between himself and the rest of the world over the last eight years that everyone was inspired — no, forced — to work harder and dream bigger to try to bridge the gap,” says The New York Times.
However, Lochte trained hard in order to challenge Phelps at the London games.
CNN quotes him saying, “I know it’s my time and I’m ready.” After dismounting the medal stand, The New York Daily says, the goofy swimmer pandered to the crowd with a diamond studded grill.
Lochte and Phelps will probably face each other again in the 200-meter individual medley, 200-meter butterfly, and 100-meter butterfly.
Photo Source: MSN