Four years after losing to France in an incredibly tight race, the United States men exacted a measure of revenge Sunday night in Rio.
With Michael Phelps moving the United States into the lead in the second leg, the Americans won the gold medal with a time of 3:09.92. France won the silver, finishing in 3:10.53, with Australia getting the bronze with a time of 3:11.37. Phelps is now up to 23 total Olympic medals in his career, with 19 being gold.
Phelps swam his leg in a time of 47.12 seconds, but the best leg was turned in by anchor Nathan Adrian. Adrian finished his leg in a time of 46.97 seconds, the fastest of any competitor in the race. With the win, the United States reclaimed the gold medal they won with a world record time in Beijing eight years ago.
Caeleb Dressel swam the first leg, with Olympic newcomer Ryan Held swimming the third leg in 47.73.