5 Memorable Swim Moments from the Rio Olympics
Jessie Tobin, Swimming World Intern
Since the Olympic Games in Tokyo are right around the corner, here is a little refresher of some memorable swim moments from the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Michael Phelps Retires
Of course, we must start off with the GOAT, Michael Phelps. Phelps made his first Olympic appearance in the 2000 Sydney Olympics at 15 years old, placing fifth in the 200-meter butterfly. Phelps ended his swim career after the Rio games, where he claimed six more medals – five gold and one silver. Phelps earned his fourth consecutive win in the 200 individual medley and finished off his career with a gold in the 400 medley relay. Another memorable moment from Phelps was his iconic “death glare” at rival Chad le Clos in the ready room before the semifinals of the 200 butterfly. With 28 medals, 23 of them gold, Phelps holds the title of being the most decorated Olympian in history.
Simone Manuel Makes History in 100 Freestyle
Manuel became the first black woman win gold in an individual Olympic swimming event when shared the title in the 100 freestyle with Canada’s Penny Oleksiak. Manuel added three more medals, a silver in the 50 freestyle, a silver in the 400 freestyle relay and a gold in the 400 medley relay. You will see Manuel in Tokyo in the 50 freestyle, and serving as one of the captains of the Olympic swim team.
Australian Women Storm to World Record
The Australian women were favored to win the 400 freestyle relay since winning the title at the 2012 London Games. The Australians finished first with a world-record time of 3:30.65. Emma McKeon got the Australians off to a strong start, and was followed by Brittany Elmslie and Bronte Campbell, before Cate Campbell anchored. McKeon and Campbell placed first and second in the 100 freestyle at the Australian Olympic Trials last month, which means we will be seeing them again in the 400 free relay in Tokyo.
Adam Peaty Is Breaststroke Royalty
During prelims in Rio, Adam Peaty broke his own world record in the 100 breaststroke, setting him up for finals the next night. Peaty then broke his own record again in finals with a 57.13. Peaty became the first British male to be crowned Olympic champion since Adrian Moorhouse won the same event back in 1988. Peaty also scooped up silver in the 400 medley relay with Chris Walker-Hebborn, James Guy and Duncan Scott. Peaty is the overwhelming favorite to repeat as Olympic champ in Tokyo.
Katie Ledecky Crushes Record And Field
In the 800 freestyle, Katie Ledecky dominated the pool, taking two seconds off her best time, winning gold and setting a world record of 8:04.79. She won the event by more than 12 seconds and is set to dominate the field again in Tokyo. In Rio, Ledecky also won gold in the 200 freestyle, the 400 freestyle and the 800 freestyle relay. This year, with the addition of the 1500 freestyle to the women’s program, Ledecky is set to make more history.