RIO DE JANEIRO — He smirked, the smile of a great swimmer who knew his best was yet to come.
After swimming a spectacular leg to help the American men win gold in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay, Michael Phelps said he hoped his first performance of the week boded well for the rest of his Rio Olympic program.
And by hoped, he meant he knew — and everyone else would find out soon enough.
Soon enough has begun, as the most decorated Olympian of all time swam his signature stroke for the first time at these Games.