Ryan Lochte locked up another gold medal at the swimming world championships on Friday, raising his victory total to three with at least two more events to go.
The American led from start to finish in the 200-meter backstroke to add to his titles in the 200 freestyle and 200 individual medley.
Lochte edged Michael Phelps in his first two individual events and set a world record in the 200 IM — the only world mark in swimming since high-tech bodysuits were banned 19 months ago.
Lochte also got a bronze in the 4x100 free relay, and he was due back in the water later to swim the anchor leg for the Americans in the 4x200 free relay. He’ll also be favoured in the 400 IM and could swim the medley relay.
Meanwhile, Jeanette Ottesen and Aliaksandra Herasimenia of Belarus finished in a dead heat for gold in the women’s 100 freestyle, both clocking 53.45 seconds. Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands touched third in 53.66 and Francesca Halsall of Britain and Femke Heemskerk of the Netherlands tied for fourth in 53.72.
It was the second time in these championships that there was a tie for gold, after Camille Lacourt and Jeremy Stravius of France shared the top spot on the podium in the men’s 100 backstroke on Tuesday.
