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Come Fan with UsMonday, June 22, 2026

Olympic swimming 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Thursday’s events online

Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

After over a decade of epic races involving Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, the American swimmers may be suiting up for one of their final big showdowns. The final for the 200-meter individual medley is set for Thursday and could be one of the last chances to see Phelps and Lochte in the pool together on a big stage.

It’s going to be a big day for swimming in Rio, and you can catch all the action on NBC Sports.

With Phelps indicating this will likely be his last Olympics, every time he enters the pool is appointment viewing. But during the night session Thursday, you’ll really want to tune in. Phelps has long dominated the 200m individual medley, winning gold in the event at the past three Olympics, and will look to complete an incredible four-peat with a victory in Rio.

One of his competitors will be Lochte, who has helped turn this race into an affair ruled by the USA. While Phelps has the past three gold medals, Lochte has been close behind with two silvers and a bronze. If it weren’t for Phelps’ brilliance, Lochte would probably have a gold medal in this event by now.

This is one of the biggest swimming events in Rio, and with all the history involved, it’s going to be a must-watch event in prime time.

There are also several other finals set for the night session, including the women’s 200-meter breaststroke, men’s 200-meter backstroke and women’s 100-meter freestyle. At the 2012 Olympics, American swimmer Rebecca Soni set the world record in the 200-meter breaststroke, but she’s since retired.

Schedule (all times Eastern)

Noon session: Heats for men's 50-meter freestyle, women's 800-meter freestyle, men's 100-meter butterfly and women's 200-meter backstroke

9 p.m. and later session: Finals for men's 200-meter individual medley, women's 200-meter breaststroke, men's 200-meter backstroke and women's 100-meter freestyle; semifinals for men's 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly, women's 200-meter backstroke

Live stream

All events will be streamed live via NBC Sports.

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