The Baltimore Ravens Paused Their Preseason Game To Watch Michael Phelps Win Again

The Ravens and Panthers had to pause for the G.O.A.T.

The Baltimore Ravens put their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on hold so everyone in the stadium could watch swimmer Michael Phelps win a historic 22nd gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Phelps’ race was shown on the big screen at M&T Bank Stadium Thursday night:

Phelps, who is from the Baltimore area, was all smiles when he heard about the pause in play, telling NBC he had been texting with a friend between races about the score of the Ravens’ game.

“I look forward to getting back home to a Ravens game very soon,” Phelps said. “I miss those guys back home.”

The race, the 200-meter individual medley, was a major one for Phelps, who was already the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Michael Phelps has won four gold medals at the Rio Olympics -- so far.
Michael Phelps has won four gold medals at the Rio Olympics -- so far.
Dominic Ebenbichler/Reuters

With that win, Phelps became the first swimmer to win gold in an individual event in four consecutive games. He also broke a more than 2,000-year-old record for the most individual Olympic victories, which was set by Leonidas of Rhodes in 152 B.C.

Phelps also beat his U.S. teammate Ryan Lochte, who holds the world record in the event but finished fifth in Thursday’s race.

For more Olympics coverage:

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