Michael Phelps used to do this as if he were a metronome: Swim fast, climb quickly out of the pool, don podium gear, listen to national anthem with game face on, wave to crowd. Repeat.This week at Olympic Aquatics Stadium, the swims are still fast – otherworldly fast for a 31-year-old. But the climbs out of the pool are labored, the national anthem brings tears, and the crowd adulation is savored longer.The only thing ticking with regularity are all the “lasts” Phelps is checking off. Among them on Thursday was this: It was the last time he’ll swim against his most lasting and most worthy rival, U.S. teammate Ryan Lochte.

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