Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps, Townley Haas and Conor Dwyer pose during the medal presentation for the men's 4x200-meter freestyle at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
RIO DE JANEIRO — The 2016 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team has been on a roll in Rio. And the men rode the wave in the 4x200 freestyle.
Anchored by Michael Phelps, who had just over an hour between winning the 200 butterfly and relay, Team USA won the 800 freestyle relay for the fourth consecutive Olympic Games. It is Phelps’ 21st Olympic gold medal and 25th overall.
Japan and Australia tried to challenge the Americans. But they were on an inspired mission for more gold. Conor Dwyer took the lead in the first 100, and the team never gave it up. Four-time Olympian Ryan Lochte swam third. It was his first Olympic competition in Rio, and he gave Phelps open water.
Team USA has won a medal in every 800 free relay since the event’s Olympic debut in 1908 (excluding 1980 when the U.S. boycotted the Games). In those 24 Games, they have won 17 times, finished runner-up five times and earned bronze twice.
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