Sports

Phelps wins 22nd Olympic gold

Michael Phelps of the United States won the Olympic 200 meters individual medley on Thursday to capture the 22nd gold medal of his career and become the first swimmer to win the same event at four consecutive Games.

Japan`s Kosuke Hagino won silver and Wang Shun of China took bronze.

Earlier, Michael Phelps extended his tally to 21 Olympic gold medals as he won individual and team titles on day four at Rio 2016.

The American, 31, comprehensively beat defending champion Chad le Clos in the 200m butterfly before he helped the US win the men`s 4x200m freestyle relay, reports BBC online.

‘That’s a lot of medals,’ said Phelps. ‘It’s just insane. It’s mind-blowing.’

British quartet Stephen Milne, Duncan Scott, Dan Wallace and James Guy won the silver in the relay.

Phelps began the evening by avenging 24-year-old Le Clos` victory over him at London 2012.

‘I wanted that one back. I came into the pool tonight with a mission and the mission was accomplished,’ added Phelps.

He cruised to victory in one minute 53.36 seconds as the South African only managed to finish fourth.

Japan’s Masato Sakai and Hungary’s Tamas Kenderesi overtook Le Clos in the final 50 metres to take the silver and bronze medals respectively.

Phelps and Le Clos meet again in another latest instalment of their duel when they compete in the 100m butterfly later this week.

The American will also be trying to add to his gold tally when he goes in the 4x100m medley relay and 200m individual medley, also later this week.