Michael Phelps became the first swimmer ever to win four consecutive golds in the same event by winning his fourth consecutive 200m individual medley Olympic title on Thursday night. He stopped the clock at one minute, 54.66 seconds, off Ryan Lochte’s world record of 1:54.00.
Phelps earned his 15th individual Olympic gold, breaking his tie with Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina for the record. His gold also marks the first time a swimmer earned at least three gold medals in four different Olympic Games.
Japan’s Kosuke Hagino won the silver medal behind Phelps in a time of 1:56.61 also won the gold in the 400m IM earlier in the week.
China’s Wang Shun took the bronze in a time of 1:57.61.