One of the greatest comebacks in swimming history! Men's 4x100m Freestyle Relay at Beijing 2008

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It was on this day 15 years ago at the Beijing National Aquatics Centre that one of the greatest comeback in Olympic relay history took place. Micheal Phelps' quest for eight gold medals was in serious doubt on just his second event of the Games as the French team led by future world record holder Alain Bernard were heavily favoured to beat the Americans.
Phelps, himself not a dedicated 100m freestyler, led off in an American record time of 47.51 but the French were in control as Bernard dove into anchor them to what seemed like a guaranteed gold medal.
Enter Jason Lezak.
The American sprinter was well behind Bernard at the turn but came back in blazing pace to just out-touch him and claim the title for Team USA. Phelps' quest for 8 in 8 at Beijing was still intact and Lezak clocked in the fastest 100m freestyle split in history at 46.06.
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[@frankiebluej6902]

goosebumps. every. time.

[@andresimon5654]

😤…because I am french…but I must admit it was an such an amazing race. Sport history. 😊 sweet revenge 4 years later in London.

[@jeovecabalquinto]

But in Rio 2016, Stravius split can't pass to Nathan Adrian in the final leg.

[@writethisthat3613]

46.06

[@aarontikkanen9163]

You mean THE GREATEST comeback in swimming history

[@aposentadoantesdos30]

Lezac Time reaction: 0.04. (0.02 would have been a disqualification because it is considered physically impossible to react that quickly).

[@limeiraleonardo]

I miss team USA glory in swimming. I hope they can beat Titmus and other guys who won a lot of medals in this year worlds

[@Erikcasas64]

🎣