MAYA DIRADO TAKES DOWN KATINKA HOSSZU FOR FIRST INDIVIDUAL OLYMPIC GOLD
In a shocking turn of events American Maya DiRado took down Katinka Hosszu of Hungary in the women’s 200m backstroke to take home her first individual Olympic gold. DiRado was with Hosszu heading into the wall but got the better touch, putting up a time of 2:05.99 and winning by five one-hundredths of a second.
Maya Dirado – 200 back – Olympic Gold – 2016 Rio Olympics/photo credit Simone Castrovillari
JOSEPH SCHOOLING SWIMS TEXTILE BEST 100 FLY – PHELPS, LE CLOS, CSEH ALL TIE FOR SECOND
Joseph Schooling of Singapore broke Ian Crocker’s textile best of 50.40 in the 100m butterfly with a 50.39 to win gold. That time also allowed him to take home Sinapore’s first Olympic swimming medal. Three-time defending Olympic champion Michael Phelps tied for silver with Chad le Clos and Laszlo Cseh.
Joe Schooling – 2016 Rio Olympics/photo credit Simone Castrovillari
KATIE LEDECKY DEMOLISHED OWN WORLD RECORD FOR FOURTH GOLD AT THESE GAMES
In a fashion that has become remarkably common for the outstanding athlete, Katie Ledecky demolished her own world record en route to a repeat gold medal in the women’s 800m freestyle. Ledekcy dropped almost two seconds off her previous time to win the race in 8:04.79.
Katie Ledecky – 2016 Rio Olympics/photo credit Simone Castrovillari
ANTHONY ERVIN SURPRISES ALL WITH 50 FREE WIN 16-YEARS AFTER WINNING IN SYDNEY
Sixteen years after he touched first in Sydney to win gold in the 50m freestyle, Anthony Ervin is once again the 50m freestyle Olympic champion. Beating 2012 Olympic champ Florent Manaudou into the wall, Ervin carves his name is history. Ervin is now the oldest Olympic gold medallist in swimming and both the oldest and youngest men’s 50m freestyle Olympic champion.
Anthony Ervin – 2016 Rio Olympics/photo credit Simone Castrovillari