RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond native and Benedictine graduate Townley Haas is now an Olympic gold medalist. The 19-year-old won Olympic gold as a member of the Men’s 4x200M freestyle relay team Tuesday night.
The winning team includes Haas, and veterans Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Conor Dwyer.
Haas swam the second leg of the relay, giving the U.S. a led they would not surrender for the remainder of the race. The team finished with a time of 7:00.66.
In another bit of history, Michael Phelps won his third gold medal of the Rio Olympics and 21st of his career.
This was Haas second and final event of the tournament. Monday night, Haas finished fifth in the Men's 200M Freestyle Final, only .35 away from a bronze medal.
Haas qualified for the finals after posting the sixth best time in the semifinals Sunday night.
Haas, who also swam for NOVA of Virginia Aquatics, just completed his first year at the University of Texas. The accomplished swimmer won the 200 and 500 freestyle at the NCAA Championships this year.
