“We Take Each Other to That Next Step”: Michael Phelps Closed His Final Rivalry Chapter in the US With Ryan Lochte, in the Most Glorious Way, in 2016

Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte are the two most successful American swimmers sharing 29 Olympic gold medals. They have each contributed immensely to the US swimming, but what the spectators love to see the most is a race between them. Phelps and Lochte have been racing each other since the 2004 Athens Olympics. In the past two decades, they have created countless magical and breathtaking moments between them. In 2016, just before the Rio Olympics, they came for one final race on American soil. Read further to find out who won.

At the US Olympic trials in July 2016, right before the start of the Rio Olympics, Phelps and Lochte faced each other for a 200m individual medley. This marked a full stop to the final chapter of their book, which is ‘Their Glorious Rivalry’ on American soil (or rather waters). Let us explore further about the race.

Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte look back at their rivalry one final time

As per a 2016 Reuters article by Steve Keating, Phelps said, “Ryan and I always have great races with one another”, after winning the thrilling race. Phelps, who went on to retire after the Rio Olympics, faced Lochte for a 200m IM which he won by a whisker. He got past the wall in 1 min 55.91 seconds, edging past his old foe by a narrow margin.

Phelps further said, “Him and I have been racing since 2004 and think when we race each other we bring each other to a different level. We take each other to that next step”. While the rivalry was intense, Phelps’s comment proves they have nothing but admiration for each other. They complement each other’s game and help improve while swimming side-by-side.

Phelps added, “It’s probably the last time people in the U.S. will see that the two of us race each other”. He also mentioned that any race against Lochte was always a thrilling contest for him. Be it the 200m IM, 400m IM, 200m freestyle, or any other kind. It is fair to say that Phelps has dominated each of those disciplines throughout his career, and Lochte followed him in his pursuits.

READ MORE – “…Who I’m Racing”- Iconic Swimmer Ryan Lochte Once Explained His Success Mantra to Challenge Michael Phelps

Ryan Lochte had his say about their final race in America, “I love racing against him. It was kind of a little heartbreaking at the end because after we finished, we gave each other a hug and said a good job, but we both knew that was probably the last time me and him were going to race each other on U.S. soil”. There were no hard feelings shared between the two after their race.

The ultimate showdown in Rio with Phelps & Lochte bidding adieu to the swimming world

Phelps and Lochte would race each other for one final time at the Rio Olympics main stage. Bringing down an ultimate spectacle, it would finally mark an end to their rivalry once and for all. Phelps would again dominate two of his favorite disciplines – 200m IM and 200m Butterfly, earning gold in both. Lochte, on the other hand, would share his only gold medal at Rio alongside Phelps for the 4x200m freestyle relay team event.

Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps brought a long and everlasting rivalry to an end in the grandest of manners. They gave what their fans and spectators wished, and Phelps left the world stage whilst still crowned like a king. What other great sporting rivalry do you know of that concluded in a spectacular fashion? Do let us know in the comments.

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