Nothing in swimming captures the power and intensity of a race like the men's 50-meter freestyle. It lasts for less than 24 seconds for all swimmers, and the guys are pushing so fast you can barely see them amid the wake, waves and splashes.
On Friday night, we got another incredible Olympic story. American Anthony Ervin, who is practically ancient in his sport at the age of 35, dramatically won the gold medal in the 50 free by out-touching France's Florent Manadou by .01 seconds.
In winning, Ervin becomes the oldest male swimmer to ever win an individual event.