Michael Phelps says he’s retiring after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, though his incredible performance thus far suggests he should give it a second thought.
Still, as far as we know, Saturday is the last chance to watch Phelps swim in the Olympics ever. His involvement in the 4×100-meter medley relay highlights a night full of medal action.
We’ll keep you updated with results throughout the night. Here’s what’s on tap:
Women’s 50M Freestyle
American Simone Manuel took home a silver medal in the final, her second medal of the week. She tied for a gold medal earlier this week. She’ll compete again in the 4×100-meter medley relay later.
Here are the podium times for the race:
1. Pernille Blume, Denmark, 24.07
2. Simone Manuel, USA, 24.09
3. Aliaksandra Herasimenia, Belarus, 24.11
Men’s 1500M Freestyle
Connor Jaeger (14:39.48) set an American record en route to a silver medal, while fellow countryman Jordan Wilimovsky (14:45.03) finished fourth. Italy’s Gregorio Paltrinieri (14:34.57) nearly set a world record en route to the gold, while his teammate, Gabriele Detti (14:40.86), won the bronze.
Women’s 4x100M Medley Relay
Simone Manuel anchored the relay and secured victory for the Americans, a team that included Lilly King, Dana Vollmer and Kathleen Baker. The victory was Team USA’s 1,000th Olympic gold medal ever. They finished in 3:53.13, defeating Australia (3:55.00) and Denmark (3:55.01) on the podium.
Men’s 4x100M Medley Relay
Michael Phelps won his 23rd career Olympic gold medal and 28th medal overall, swimming the third leg of the relay. His team set a few records in the process.
The Americans won in an Olympic-record time of 3:27.95. Ryan Murphy, who won Olympic gold earlier this week in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke, led off the relay in the backstroke and set a world record (52.19 seconds) for 100 meters. Not a bad way to start.
Cody Miller went second and had a good time, followed by Phelps, who gave USA the lead. Then, Nathan Adrian anchored and set an Olympic record for his final 100 meters.
Great Britain finished with silver (3:29.24) and Australia took bronze (3:29.93).
What a way to end a career for Phelps.
Thumbnail photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
