American Ryan Lochte received a massive confidence boost ahead of next year’s London Games when he swum down compatriot and Olympic champion Michael Phelps to claim the men’s 200 metres freestyle world championships title on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Lochte, who has often had to play second fiddle to Phelps and the now retired Aaron Peirsol throughout his career, overpowered a high class field and emerged as a genuine challenger for multiple Olympics titles next year.
“It’s a major confidence boost,” Lochte told reporters after he won gold in one minute, 44.44 seconds. “It’s the most challenging competition (I’ve ever raced).
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