The swimming competitions at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro have reached fever pitch.
USA’s Michael Phelps and Simone Manuel won gold medals Thursday night, making swimming history that will resonate far beyond the confines of the Olympic Aquatics Stadium.
Phelps won the gold medal in the men’s 200m individual medley final, dispatching rival Ryan Lochte and the rest of the competition with startling ease. Phelps became the first swimmer to win four consecutive Olympic gold medals in the same event.
Just 38 minutes after winning the 200, Phelps progressed to the final of the 100m butterfly. He accepted his record 22nd gold medal in-betwee…