London Olympics: Men’s 400 IM

Ryan Lochte shows off his American flag grills and gold medal after winning the men’s 400m individual medley in London. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

July 28, 2012 11:39 PM PT

In the first big battle in the pool during the London Olympics, Ryan Lochte wins the gold medal. Michael Phelps finishes fourth.

A dejected Michael Phelps looks to the scoreboard after finishing fourth in the men’s 400m individual medley in London. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Ryan Lochte celebrates after winning the men’s 400-meter individual medley swimming final at the 2012 Olympics in London. (Daniel Ochoa De Olza / Associated Press)

Michael Phelps, top lane, finished fourth in the 400-meter individual medley finals. Earlier in the day, Phelps barely qualified for the eight-man finals. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Ryan Lochte is congratulated by Japan’s Yuya Horihata after winning the men’s 400-meter individual medley in London. (Daniel Ochoa De Olza / Associated Press)

Ryan Lochte swims the freestyle section on his way to a gold medal in the 400-meter individual medley Saturday in London. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Japan’s Kosuke Hagino won the bronze medal in the men’s 400-meter individual medley swimming final in the London Olympics, beating Michael Phelps for the final medal position. (Michael Sohn / Associated Press)

During qualifying heats, Michael Phelps won the last spot in the men’s 400-meter individual medley finals by a few tenths of a second. Ryan Lochte won the finals; Phelps finished fourth. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)