That Michael Phelps ended his retirement probably rekindled America's interest in swimming as the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro approach.
That Phelps' return also prevented Ryan Lochte from retiring likely means more gold for the U.S. swim team in Rio.
Several media outlets reported that Lochte defeated Phelps in the 100-meter butterfly at the Arena Grand Prix in Phoenix on Thursday night.
Lochte won the event with a time of 51.93 seconds. Phelps, winner of 18 goal medals spanning three Olympics, finished second with a time of 52.13 seconds.
Earlier in the day, Phelps won a 100-butterfly heat in his first race since coming out of retirement.
While all eyes were on the comeback of the most storied swimmer in history, Lochte was making his own com comeback from a freak accident in which a female fan jumped on Lochte, who suffered a torn ACL while trying to catch her.
According to Reuters, Lochte said he thought of quitting the sport after suffering the injury but drew inspiration from Phelps' return. Lochte posted the second fastest 100 butterfly time in the world this year in Thursday's race.
"I probably wouldn't have gone that time if Phelps wasn't in the pool with me," he said, as reported by Reuters. "I'm glad he's back. Me and him, we push each other all the time. What he's done for the sport of swimming and him leaving, it kind of broke my heart a little because I love getting the blocks and racing him.
"Racing against him is so much fun, it's a challenge but I love it and now that's he back, I've got a big old smile."
ESPN reported that Lochte had a similar sentiment when the two turned at the wall during the race.
"Down there at the turn I kind of peeked over and I saw him and almost started smiling," Lochte said about his longtime friend and rival.
Phelps interjected, "Why? Because you were ahead?"
Who is more likely to medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics - Michael Phelps or Ryan Lochte? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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