At Long Last, The Next Generation of 200 Butterfliers Have Emerged

2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES

It took a while, but it’s finally happened. The next generation of male 200 butterfliers have emerged. In an absolutely shocking 200 fly final, two of the three medal favorites, who appeared to be locks for the podium coming into these Games, failed to medal.

Rising in their place were Masato Sakai of Japan and Tamas Kenderesi of Hungary, who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in times of 1:53.40 and 1:53.62 behind only the greatest of all-time, Michael Phelps.

Ever since 2001, when he first set the world record at just 15 years of age, Phelps has dominated this event. He won every major race he competed in in this event for 11 straight years. Unprecedented dominance in a single swimming event.

This dominance created a “Phelps vacuum” of sorts. People stopped swimming the event. He was challenged to an extent at the 2008 Olympic Games after his goggles filled with water, but other than that, he easily dominated from 2001-2011.

Things began to change in 2012. Phelps not being 100% invested in swimming opened the door for Chad Le Clos to come out of nowhere on the last 50 of the 200 fly Olympic final to pass him and win gold. Le Clos’ win proved that a changing of the guard of sorts was happening, and it was time for the next generation to start swimming the event again.

Yes, Phelps is still the king of this event after winning it for the third time, but this is his last rodeo (or so he claims). It’s time for the next wave to come to fruition.

We’ve finally bypassed the generation that was intimidated by him, and have moved straight into the generation that’s been inspired by him.

Sakai, 21, and Kenderesi, 19, are the future of this event and had an unbelievable Olympic debut tonight.

Sakai had the fastest final 50 in the field and closed on Phelps like a mad man the last few metres and almost stole the gold. Kenderesi has consistently improved this year, and he too closed on Phelps over the last 50.

Both were fearless in what was probably the most watched swimming race in quite a while, and will lead a new generation in the 200 fly, along with Chad Le Clos, in the wake of Phelps’ dominance.

 

 

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SwimmerFoxJet
7 years ago

Maybe these guys will fade.

Lennart van Haaften
7 years ago

Malchov won the major race in 2002 though.

SwimmerFoxJet
Reply to  Lennart van Haaften
7 years ago

True, Phelps was not skipping practices like prior to London, but he wasn’t doing extra butterfly sets AFTER practice, which he did in 2001.

Cate
7 years ago

In 2001 Phelps would have been 16 not 15.

Editor
Reply to  Cate
7 years ago

Phelps set his first world record in March. He didn’t turn 16 until July.

SwimmerFoxJet
Reply to  Robert Gibbs
7 years ago

June 30

Definitely Not Sun Yang
7 years ago

Does anyone know what Phelps was laughing at in the 200m fly award ceremony?

I\'m the real Sun Yang
Reply to  Definitely Not Sun Yang
7 years ago

He was laughing at a Phelpsface meme.

Cate
Reply to  Definitely Not Sun Yang
7 years ago

At Baltimore Orioles games, at the end of the national anthem the fans yell oooos! Phelps friends from Baltimore were in the stands and yelled ooos at the end which made him laugh. He told Michele Tafoya that in the post interview.

SwimmerFoxJet
Reply to  Definitely Not Sun Yang
7 years ago

I could make a meme out of it.

When you’re a swimmer and a non swimmer says swimming isn’t a sport

Or,
I told them I was retiring again, and they believed me.

Swimfan
7 years ago

Conger too

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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