Winter is here for Le Clos. pic.twitter.com/aTFvy3NM4L
— Joe Ovies (@joeovies) August 10, 2016
And so it begins. Chad le Clos was feeling confident yesterday, shadowboxing in front of his rival Michael Phelps, who he beat in 2012’s London games. He had a bright smile, while Phelps looked like a cross between Lady Mormont and the Emperor from Star Wars. Needless to say, Phelps was intense. They would face off once again in the 200M butterfly.
The bad blood spilled into the pool where le Clos would look back at Phelps, who was moving forward to the head of the pack. Phelps would stay confident, take his 20th gold medal with ease, tie for the most individual gold medals in Olympics history (14) and leave le Clos in the dust. It was a good day of work for Phelps, and le Clos would finish in 4th place. Ouch.
Now it’s Crying Jordan time.
Michael Phelps: "How do you feel now Chad le Clos?"
Chad le Clos: 😭 pic.twitter.com/Tf9QVpz8Tu
— Crying Jordan (@CryingJordan) August 10, 2016
The Wikipedia page for Chad le Clos right now: pic.twitter.com/VVBQFS22pq
— Hunter Schwarz (@hunterschwarz) August 10, 2016
Le Clos is such a shit stirrer! Phelps is just like boy bye! #RioOlympics2016 #MensSwimming pic.twitter.com/HO6ZTI4NRQ
— arielle (@mhmellie) August 10, 2016
I'm not laughing b/c Le Clos lost but because he talked a lot of shit and tried "intimidate" Phelps and didn't even place. Vindication.
— Djerica Unchained ♡ (@daddyslilhippie) August 10, 2016
Le Clos talked so much smack to Phelps and then didn't even medal. 😂 pic.twitter.com/WUg3Cl48dx
— Taylor Irby Collins (@Tay_IrbyCollins) August 10, 2016
This Just In: Chad Le Clos is still looking over his shoulder for Michael Phelps. #TeamUSA #Olympics pic.twitter.com/1NuyThuMpd
— J.T. (@JTSOUNDSOFF) August 10, 2016
Michael Phelps left Chad le Clos in a pool of his own tears. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/CBvwIS6zOT
— theScore (@theScore) August 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/ROB_NICH/status/763192787063808000
Who's your daddy? @chadleclos pic.twitter.com/O3vTSNQu5d
— ️ (@dabulls629) August 10, 2016
.@MichaelPhelps just won his 20th #Gold and silences Chad le Clos.https://t.co/BWGaUNiTHM https://t.co/5da0UJBfHI
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 10, 2016
Michael Phelps to Chad Le Clos right now #Rio2016 #America pic.twitter.com/sgJBCl7R7R
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) August 10, 2016
Michael Phelps just now to le Clos.#swimming #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/yJZXSSQ53B
— Robert Flores (@RoFlo) August 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/bella_050501/status/762843273345970176
If this truly is Phelps’ swan swim, then he’s gone out by creating a narrative that will be nearly impossible to top. A 31-year-old athlete, the oldest to win a gold medal in an individual event, comes back for revenge against a brash opponent and gets it. Phelps’ Rio has been nearly perfect.
