American Ryan Murphy wins gold in men's 100 back

(Photo: Rob Schumacher, USA TODAY Sports)RIO DE JANEIRO – Ryan Murphy continued America’s tradition of excellence in the men’s 100 backstroke, beating a loaded field to win gold in 51.97 seconds Monday night. He set an Olympic record.

China's Xu Jiayu won silver.

This is the third consecutive gold medal for the U.S. in the event; Matt Grevers, who narrowly missed qualifying for these Olympics, won this event in both Beijing and London.

Fellow American David Plummer was third.

Murphy, who swam collegiately at Cal, will also swim the 200 back later this week.

53 Photos Swimming at the Rio Olympics