American superstar Michael Phelps edged arch-rival Ryan Lochte to grab his first individual gold medal of the London Games and 20th career medal on Thursday as the United States drew level with China in the race to win the most gold medals.
Having already established himself the most decorated Olympian of all time after the US men's 4x200m freestyle relay victory on Tuesday, Phelps' legend grew even greater as he clocked a fastest time of 1:54.27 in the 200m individual medley final.
Lochte finished second in 1:54.90, while Lazlo Cseh of Hungary touched the wall third.
The win means Phelps has now won an unprecedented total of 20 Olympic medals, of which 16 are gold medals. He is also the first swimmer to win the same individual event in three straight games.
"To be able to win the gold medal and repeat three times is something pretty special," said the 27-year-old Phelps.
