Clary shocks Lochte for 200m backstroke gold

America's Tyler Clary won gold in a new Olympic record in the men's 200 meters backstroke in London.

America's Tyler Clary won gold in a new Olympic record in the men's 200 meters backstroke in London.

Clary, the fastest qualifier for the final, clocked 1 minute, 53.41 seconds in a tight finish Thursday.

"I stuck to my guns and I was able to come by in those last few 15 metres and get my hand on the wall," Clary said.

"That was the perfect race I swam tonight, it couldn't have gone any better."

Japanese champion Ryosuke Irie, who won gold in the 100m event, claimed the silver in 1:53.78, while Ryan Lochte of the US won bronze in 1:53.94.

Lochte, the favourite for gold, had led for most of the race but tired in the final straight.