Lochte comes out of the wings

The quartet touched first in 7 minutes, 03.24 seconds, lowering the time of 7:04.66 set by Australia in 2001. It was Lochte8217;s second world record of the night to go with his new standard in the 200 backstroke, where he ended Aaron Peirsol8217;s seven-year winning streak.

Phelps swam the leadoff relay leg, getting the Americans under world-record pace on the first of his four laps. For once, though, he couldn8217;t quite manage a world record. His 200 split of 1:45.36 was much slower than the world record of 1:43.86 he set in winning the 200 freestyle on Tuesday.

Australia took the silver and Canada earned the bronze.

Friday8217;s two world records made it 12 set during the meet.

In the 200 backstroke, Lochte notched a world record and a gold medal over Aaron Peirsol, who hadn8217;t lost a 200 internationally since the 2000 Olympics.

Before Phelps joined the relay, he and US rival Ian Crocker faced off in the same semi-final of the 100 butterfly. Crocker, the world-record holder, led all the way and qualified fastest in 51.41 seconds. Phelps was fifth at the turn and came home third at 51.92. His time was fourth-quickest heading into Saturday night8217;s final.

Leisel Jones of Australia easily completed a sweep of the women8217;s breaststroke events, winning the 200 by 4.10 seconds. Jones led all the way and her time of 2:21.84 was third-fastest in history.

Libby Lenton of Australia defeated a loaded field in the women8217;s 100 freestyle, winning in 53.40 8212; the second-fastest time in history. It was the Aussie8217;s second individual gold of the meet and third overall.