The American dominance in the 200-meter backstroke continues. Ryan Murphy, who continued the United States’ unbeaten streak this millennium in the 100-meter backstroke, completed the sweep with gold in the 200. Murphy’s fellow countryman and California Bears teammate Jacob Pebley finished in fifth.
Murphy’s win makes it six straight United States victories in the 200 back, equalling the mark that they have in the 100 back. He also puts himself in an exclusive club with Aaron Peirsol, Lenny Krayzelburg, Rick Carey, and Roland Matthes as the only swimmers to have swept the 100 and 200 back at the Olympics.
Larkin Speeds To The Lead
Australian Mitch Larkin was the second-fastest qualifier after Evgeny Rylov of Russia. So those were two of the men with the potential of knocking off the American streak of five straight wins in this race. Larkin was out fast as one of two swimmers going under 28 seconds in the first 50 along with Germany’s Christian Diener. Rylov was in third.
Murphy was fourth at the turn but began to make up some ground on the leaders in the second 50. He touched the wall for the second 100 practically dead even with Larkin in what was set to be a thrilling final 100 meters. Diener fell to third but was continuing to battle for a shot at a medal.
Murphy Pulls Away For Gold
It continued to be a battle between Murphy and Larkin as the field continued to fall off the pace. The American extended his lead to a couple of tenths over the Aussie while Rylov was just over seven-tenths behind. Heading into the final 50, Larkin looked to close the gap with about 20-30 meters to go. The race was set to look like a tight one for the finish, but Murphy just turned on the jets to continue the US streak of gold. Larkin settled for the silver while Rylov won bronze.