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Phelps Swims Last Individual Race

And wins gold, as does Missy Franklin and 15-year-old Katie Ledecky

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 3, 2012 2:20 PM CDT

(AP) – Michael Phelps won the 100-meter butterfly at the London Games today for the record 17th gold and 21st medal overall in his Olympic career. In the final individual race of his career, Phelps was next to last at the turn but then produced his usual furious finish to clock 51.21 seconds. Phelps will end his career with the 4x100 medley relay tomorrow. Also of note:

  • Missy Franklin set a world record in the 200 backstroke for her third gold and fourth medal overall.
  • American 15-year-old Katie Ledecky won the 800-meter freestyle. The youngest member of the US swim team narrowly missed a world record in the grueling race, falling off pace on the last lap and finishing in 8 minutes, 14.63 seconds.
  • It took a while, but Roger Federer beat Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina 3-6, 7-6 (5), 19-17 in 4 hours, 26 minutes. He will go for gold on Sunday against either Andy Murray or Novak Djokovic.
  • Russian track cyclist Victoria Baranova was expelled for failing a pre-Olympics doping test. And an Australian rower was sent home after damaging two shopfront windows in an alcohol-related incident.
  • See Bleacher Report for more details and updates.

Michael Phelps competes in the 100-meter butterfly.
Michael Phelps competes in the 100-meter butterfly.   (Michael Sohn)
United States' Missy Franklin reacts to her gold medal win in the women's 200-meter backstroke.
United States' Missy Franklin reacts to her gold medal win in the women's 200-meter backstroke.   (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)
Roger Federer of Switzerland gestures toward his wife and coaches after defeating Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina.
Roger Federer of Switzerland gestures toward his wife and coaches after defeating Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
United States' Katie Ledecky reacts after her gold medal win.
United States' Katie Ledecky reacts after her gold medal win.   (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
finkster
Aug 4, 2012 2:11 AM CDT
Like I said previously Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympic Athlete of all time And I'll kill anyone who thinks otherwise.....:-)
RidersOnTheStorm
Aug 3, 2012 5:16 PM CDT
Update newser: Murray has beaten Djokovic and I think will do the same to Federer in the Final as the longest tennis match (19-17) will sap it out of the old guy. Congrats Phelps and Missy Franklin and 15-year-old Katie Ledecky
chillette
Aug 3, 2012 4:50 PM CDT
Go Phelps! You and Gabby Douglas make us proud. There have been a number of really great American athletes. Kudos.

Copyright 2013 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 

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