PARIS — Kate Douglass put the U.S. on the top of the podium in the 200 breaststroke, a race that essentially served as a changing of the guard for Team USA swimming.
Longtime American star Lilly King, competing in her final Olympics, finished last in the final. She made her way over several lane ropes to give a hug to Douglas, one of the world’s most versatile swimmers and now a gold medalist.
It was the fourth swimming gold for the world’s most dominant swimming nation, to go along with 10 silver medals and six bronzes.
Douglass, who won a bronze in the 200 individual medley at Tokyo, now has a complete collection.
She started the Paris Games by helping the Americans win silver in 4×100 freestyle relay.
She grabbed the best color of all Thursday.
Douglass claimed the lead on the second of four laps and held off South Africa’s Tatjana Smith to win in 2:19.24 in the 200 breaststroke.
Smith, who took gold in the 100 breaststroke, settled for a silver this time in 2:19.60. The bronze went to Tes Schouten (2:21.05) of the Netherlands.
Lilly King, the winner of five medals including two golds at the last two Olympics, failed to claim an individual prize in her Olympic farewell. She tied for fourth in the 100 breaststroke and finished more than 6 1/2 seconds behind Douglass in the 200.
Douglass has a chance to pick up another medal in the 200 IM.
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