Team GB was trending consistently on Twitter in the run-up to the cycling road race. But on Saturday, following the first of two showdowns between swimming giants Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps, the two ? plus Team USA ? everyone?s attention turned to the pool.
Lochte took the first US gold of the Games in the 400m individual medley to turn the tables on his previously dominant compatriot.
The laidback heartthrob, nicknamed ?Reezy?, turned to Twitter soon after victory to thank his growing fan base, which he has named ?Lochte Nation?.
He tweeted: ?1?
Having won eight gold medals in Beijing, expectations were high for Phelps ? but he failed to defend his title with a disappointing fourth place finish yesterday.
Even so, he and Lochte exchanged congratulatory messages on Twitter, with Phelps tweeting: ?1?
Lochte was quick to repay the compliment, declaring: ?1?
With six events ahead of him, including tomorrow?s 4x100m medley, Phelps mused: ?1?
The Americans will face each other again in Friday?s 200m individual medley.
You can follow these and other Olympic athletes on the official 1.
