The first showdown between Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials was in the 400 meter individual medley, and Lochte had the best of his opponent.
2012 Olympic Swimming Trials: Ryan Lochte Wins 400 IM Over Michael Phelps
The pair went 1-2 in qualifications, and finished 1-2 again in the final race, earning themselves spots in the event in London. In qualifying, the pair became the first two American swimmers to qualify and Phelps became the first American man to qualify for four Olympics as a swimmer.
Lochte finished in 4:07.06, Phelps in 4:07.89.
Lochte and Phelps jumped out to the head of the pack in the butterfly, with Phelps beating the world record split by .02 seconds through 50 meters. The backstroke saw Tyler Clary, who holds the American record in the event, jump out to the lead with Phelps falling into third. Phelps took second back through the breaststroke, but Lochte destroyed the competition in the stroke and began to pull away, giving himself a full body-length lead heading into the freestyle. Lochte extended his lead there, taking first while recording a personal best in the event.
In case you missed the showdown between the two biggest stars of American swimming, don’t fret: Phelps is scheduled to participate in six more events, and Lochte is scheduled to participate in five of those, as well as five others. And then, of course, there’s the actual Olympics. So, prepare for a summer of Phelps and Lochte lining up in the starting blocks alongside each other.
Stay with our StoryStream for the latest from the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Swimming in Omaha as Team USA is decided.
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