RIO DE JANEIRO—They teamed up for a carpool karaoke video. They planted their flag in Brazil. And when the Olympics are done, they'll be remembered as the latest in a long line of U.S. swimming powerhouses.
So much for all those dire forecasts.
Turns out, the less-than-glittering times at the U.S. trials were no indication of how fast they would swim once they got to the big stage. And all those who thought they were too inexperienced to shine on the international stage totally missed the mark.
The Americans finished off the final night at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium by equaling their biggest medal haul in the last three decades.
Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky & Co. made sure the U.S. stayed firmly atop the swimming world.
“We all know we’re part of a really special team,” Ledecky said Saturday, five medals hanging from her neck after one of the greatest performances in Olympic history. “We have such great depth in the U.S. in swimming, and it’s something we take great pride in. This is kind of our stage to show the world that.”
