[1] U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps blasted a new world record to defend his title in the event, and more importantly, claim his sixth Olympic gold, twelfth career, and fourteenth overall medal.

Hungary's László Cseh added a third silver to his collection, finishing with a European record of 1:56.52.

Phelps' teammate and archrival Ryan Lochte earned a bronze in a time of 1:56.53, just a hundredth of a second (0.01) behind Cseh.

The podium placements also replicated the results of the 400 m individual medley, held on the first day of the Games.

[2][3] Brazil's Thiago Pereira finished fourth with a time of 1:58.14, and was followed in the fifth spot by Japan's Ken Takakuwa, in an Asian record of 1:58.22.