Fully aware of compatriot star Michael Phelps' strong start, American Olympic champion swimmer Ryan Lochte chose to tail him early and then put in a strong finish to win their 200m freestyle battle in 1 minute, 44.44 seconds on Tuesday night.

"I know everyone wanted to go out to get the clear water in the race. I know the speed Michael has. I knew he would go out fast. As long as I was able to stay up with him, I knew I had a shot," said Lochte, the 200m medley's world record holder, after the eye-catching race.

Phelps finished second in 1:44.79, ahead of the event's defending world champion, Paul Biedermann of Germany, who touched the wall 0.44 sec off the pace.

Usually dominant in the medley and backstroke, Lochte was thrilled to claim gold in an "unfamiliar" race.

"The 200m free is an event that I don't normally do. It was a deep field and I just did my best.

"It's definitely a big confidence booster. This win tonight will carry on to my other races," said Lochte, who broke his own world record to claim a gold in the 200m backstroke at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Although boasting dazzling talent, Lochte prefers to live out of the spotlight, unlike14-time Olympic gold medalist Phelps, but he stresses he has a deep bond with his US teammate.

"Me and Michael have gone head to head for about eight years. We have definitely built a good rivalry. He is one of the world's best. I am just privileged to swim in the same team and same event. We both want to win, but no matter what happens, we are still friends. We will definitely push each other for 2012," said the 26-year-old.

(China Daily 07/27/2011 page24)