Lochte gives USA its fifth swimming gold

Ryan Lochte gave the United States its fifth gold medal of the World Swimming Championships Thursday and China won two of the five events contested in Rome.

Lochte, winner of a backstroke gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, captured the 200-meter individual medley Thursday in the world record time of 1:54.10.

Laszlo Cseh of Hungary, who finished second behind superstar Michael Phelps three times in Beijing, was runner-up to Lochte in 1:55.24. American Eric Shanteau was third in 1:55.36.

The United States came up with a silver medal in the women’s 800-meter freestyle relay behind China. Allison Schmitt anchored an American team that finished a half second behind the Chinese.

China’s Zhao Jing took the gold medal in the women’s 50-meter backstroke, Jessicah Schipper captured the women’s 200-meter butterfly and Cesar Cielo of Brazil was the winner in the men’s 100-meter freestyle.

Phelps, who has two gold medals and a silver thus far in these championships, did not compete Thursday. He will be a part of the American 800-meter relay team in Friday’s final.

With three days left in the event, the United States led the way with five gold medals and 12 overall. China and Italy had three golds each and China was second in the overall race with seven.

Swimmers from 13 different nations have won gold at the tournament.