[winflop]

Interesting strategy by the Aussies to put the fastest two swimmers in the middle. I guess they thought the only way they would win would be to build a lead and gain a psychological edge?

Might as well.  No matter who they put in the final leg they would have needed a substantial lead.  They did have the lead but it wasn't nearly enough.  Needed to be at least 2.5-3 secs to have had a shot.  And I gotta believe if it had been that big Ledecky would have gone faster in the final 50.

[winflop]

Interesting strategy by the Aussies to put the fastest two swimmers in the middle. I guess they thought the only way they would win would be to build a lead and gain a psychological edge?

Might as well.  No matter who they put in the final leg they would have needed a substantial lead.  They did have the lead but it wasn't nearly enough.  Needed to be at least 2.5-3 secs to have had a shot.  And I gotta believe if it had been that big Ledecky would have gone faster in the final 50.