Ryan Lochte Wins Silver Medal in 2012 Olympic Swimming Men's 200m IM

Ryan Lochte has added another medal to his 2012 Olympic haul in the men's 200-meter individual medley. The American superstar picked up a silver medal to add to his rapidly growing career résumé in a race that also featured Michael Phelps, who took gold.

It was an impressive performance from Lochte, especially when you consider he had just finished swimming the 200-meter backstroke less than a half hour before his second London showdown with Phelps. 

It's been an up-and-down Olympics for Lochte. He started on a high note by dominating Phelps and the other competition in the 400-meter individual medley.

But in the United States' first men's relay, he was chased down by France's Yannick Agnel during the final leg and the team had to settle for silver. Agnel has been terrific throughout the Games and has a strong case of his own to be considered the top swimmer in the world.

Lochte then finished off the podium in the 200-meter freestyle before bouncing back to help the United States win gold in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay. He played a key role in getting the Americans a gigantic lead for Phelps, who held on.

Today's result should help him feel better about his overall performance. Although he hasn't been as dominant as Phelps was during his magical run in Beijing four years ago, Lochte has still had an all-around good showing.

In reality, it was always going to be difficult for him to live up to the hype. Heading into the Olympics there was so much talk about the rivalry between him and Phelps, basically making Lochte seem like the new sheriff in town.

There has always been a tendency after an amazing performance like Phelps' in Beijing to put pressure on the next up-and-comer to match it. Of course, it wouldn't be so amazing if it happened all the time, and most negative views on Lochte's showing in London are based on these ridiculous expectations.

People who thought he was going to blow away the field in most events are likely disappointed, but when you look at all the medals he's now won, it's actually been a pretty successful week.

While Phelps plans to end his Olympic career after the Games, Lochte has already talked about competing in 2016. His already impressive list of medals figures to grow once again in four years when the biggest international competition shifts to Brazil.

As for now, he should be pleased with his accomplishments in London.