Michael Phelps waggled four fingers, recognizing another historic achievement.
Now, he's the first swimmer ever to win the same event at four straight Olympics.
Ryan Lochte was left in his wake every time.
In what was billed as the final showdown between two of America's greatest swimmers, Phelps blew away Lochte -- and everyone else -- to win his fourth gold medal of the Rio Olympics and 22nd overall with a victory in the 200-meter individual medley Thursday night.
Phelps finished a full body-length ahead of the field with total dominance on the breaststroke and freestyle legs, finishing in 1 minute, 54.66 seconds.
Lochte didn't even make it to the podium this time, after taking two silvers and a bronze behind Phelps at the last three Olympics in this event. Leading at the midway point, Lochte faded to fifth.
Japan's Kosuke Hagino took the silver, while China's Wang Shun claimed the bronze.
But Phelps was in a league of his own.
As usual.
He's got one more individual event at what he insists will really be his final Olympics -- remember, he already retired once -- and will be looking to add a fourth straight gold in the 100 butterfly to his staggering resume.
Then, he'll close out these Olympics in the 4x100 medley relay.
There seems to be little doubt he'll go six-for-six.
Download the ABC2 News app for theiPhone,Kindle andAndroid.
