Group USA and its Australian counterparts all the time appear to ship the aggressive drama when it comes their rivalry in Olympic swimming.
That rivalry hit a fever pitch forward of the Paris Video games, with Aussie swimmers making pointed feedback about listening to the American anthem, cowbells and even took digs at Olympic legend Michael Phelps.
However regardless of all of the discuss, the Individuals demonstrated to the world why they’re nonetheless the dominant swim nation.
Group USA topped the overall medal depend (USA 28, AUS 18) and edged out Australia in golds (USA 8, AUS 7) — needing the ultimate occasion of the swim program, the women’s 4×100 medley relay, to grab the victory.
When you dig deeper, nonetheless, the stats present Australia is not essentially the proverbial little brother it has been to the U.S anymore.
When their swimmers each appeared in particular person occasion finals, the outcomes had been break up proper down the center. There have been eight cases of at the very least one Australian ending forward of the American swimmers and eight within the reverse.
Fascinatingly, just one man from every nation received particular person gold in Paris — American Bobby Finke in the 1500 freestyle and Australian Cameron McEvoy within the 50 freestyle.
The ladies, alternatively, virtually dominated the highest of the rostrum. Particular person golds received by American or Australian girls had been break up evenly (USA 4, AUS 4).
However when the 2 nations went head-to-head within the relay occasions, the Individuals dominated per typical, ending forward of the Aussies 5 instances in comparison with two.
It’s going to be one other 4 years earlier than these two nations face off on the Olympic stage once more, however the Los Angeles Video games would be the excellent stage for an additional rematch.
