Michael Phelps Wins 200m Butterfly Silver Medal, Ties Olympic Record

Continuing a disappointing performance in individual events so far at the 2012 London Olympics, 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps finished second in the 200-meter butterfly on Tuesday.

Phelps was within reach of the victory but was edged by South Africa's Chad Le Clos by 0.05 seconds, per NBCSports.com. The South African's time was 1:52.96, per Team South Africa. 

However, Phelps still tied the Olympic record by collecting his 18th medal and will have four more chances in London to set the record.

Phelps placed fourth in the 400-meter individual medley this year, but things were looking up for the 27-year-old American when he performed well in the 4x100 freestyle relay. There was a general sentiment that he would win the gold in the 200-meter butterfly.

But it was not to be for a man who used to be the unquestioned top swimmer in the world.

Phelps won the 100-meter butterfly and 200-meter butterfly in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. He broke the Olympic record in the 200-meter butterfly in 2004, then set the world record in the event in 2008 with a time of 1:52.03. He broke his own record in the event in the 2009 World Championships.

And, despite all of his struggles the past four years, he had still won gold in the 200-meter butterfly in the 2010 Pan Pacific Championships and 2011 World Championships. Heading into Tuesday's competition, he was largely seen as the favorite to win the event.

Phelps admitted before the Olympics this year that there was a time when he lost focus and motivation after the 2008 Beijing Games. He assured everyone that he was back and ready, but questions still surrounded a swimmer who used to always answer the call.

We all knew heading into the 2012 London Olympics that Phelps had the talent to win multiple gold medals. But you have to wonder, after a relatively disappointing start, if Phelps really was physically and mentally ready for these Games.

He still has time to capture gold, but he's had an uncharacteristic performance thus far.

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