Lochte Dethrones Teammate in 200 Backstroke

(AP) Ryan Lochte claims another gold at swim worlds
By PAUL NEWBERRY
AP Sports Writer
BARCELONA, Spain
Ryan Lochte began one of the most grueling sessions of his swimming career with another world championship Friday.

Lochte claimed his second gold medal in Barcelona with a victory in 200-meter backstroke, beating reigning Olympic champion and teammate Tyler Clary.

The winning time was 1 minute, 53.79 seconds. The silver went to Poland’s Radoslaw Kawecki, while Clary settled for bronze.

Lochte pushed the early pace, leading at the first flip, and had enough to hold off his challengers. He won by 0.45 seconds.

The race was the first of three that Lochte had in about a 90-minute span. He also qualified for the semifinals of the 100 butterfly and had a spot on the U.S. team in the 4×200 freestyle relay.