BFF (BEST FRENEMIES FOREVER)
The Score’s Not Quite Settled Between Frenemies Michael Phelps & Ryan Lochte
THE SCORE ISN’T QUITE SETTLED BETWEEN FRENEMIES Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte: The winningest U.S. Olympian lost out to Lochte in the men’s 400-meter individual medley swimming final at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park Saturday. Phelps came in fourth and failed to medal in the race while Lochte claimed the coveted gold.
But Sunday night was a different story when the two were part of the U.S. swim team in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay. Lochte blew the lead as anchor and cost the team the gold.
“One day after we witnessed the Fall of Phelps, and the Rise of Lochte, we witnessed a role reversal of Olympian proportion,” harrumphed USA Today
No doubt it burned when Phelps condescendingly praised Lochte for his “good effort.” And when the television cameras were focused and turned on, the Illinois native couldn’t suppress a gleeful smile.
“I felt a lot better today than yesterday,” Phelps told reporters after he helped bag the silver — his first — in the 4×100-meter relay. “I was able to put yesterday behind me.”
“We had our best four guys and we went out there to win it and we came up short,” Lochte told NBC. “I’m kind of bummed because when we go up on the blocks, we always want to win.”
The competition doesn’t mean the two don’t play well together though. Shortly after Lochte won the 400-meter race, Phelps tweeted: “Congrats to @ryanlochte…Way to keep that title in the country where it belongs!!”
Lochte replied later: “Thanks @MichaelPhelps I couldn’t do it with out you. #USA.”
The contest between these two Olympians isn’t over.
