Ryan Murphy Keeps American Streak Alive with 100 Backstroke Olympic Record

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Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

In tonight’s 100 backstroke final Ryan Murphy pulled away from the field in the final 50 meters to continue the United State’s tradition of elite American backstrokers. He took down American Matt Grevers‘ Olympic record of 52.16 on his way to gold. Murphy touched in 51.97. That time was only .03 shy of Aaron Peirsol‘s world record of 51.94 swum in 2009.

His teammate David Plummer will also be on the Olympic podium in his Olympic debut. Plummer stopped the clock in 52.40 for the bronze. China’s Jiayu Xu secured silver, finishing in 52.31.

Australia’s Mitchell Larkin finished just .03 out of a medal. He touched fourth in 52.43.

France’s Camille Lacourt finished fifth with 52.70. In sixth place was Evgeny Rylov of Russia with a 52.74.

Japan’s Ryosuke Irie placed seventh with a final time of 53.42. Robert Glinta of Romania was eighth in 53.50.

Click here to view full results from day three finals.

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Janna Schiller Ostvolden

7 years ago

Not to mention David Plummer!

George Larson

7 years ago

Smooth strokes. His head never moves.

Kyle Marquette Koeneman

7 years ago

Awesome job, Ryan & David! Your country is very proud of you!????

Hoang Le

7 years ago

Only 0.03 off wr

Ricardo Montenegro Palomino

7 years ago

Great swim, second person in the world to go under 52, but the first one to do it without body suit…….