In another thrilling race, the women’s 200m backstroke, Maya Dirado (USA) gave everything she had in the last 10m to take the Olympic title in 2:05.99, beating Katinka Hosszu (HUN), who had controlled the final until the very last metres. The Magyar star got the silver in 2:06.05, while the bronze went to Hilary Caldwell (CAN) in 2:07.54. Dirado had already a gold in Rio, with her 4x200m free relay triumph, while Hosszu was looking for her fourth triumph, after the titles in the 200m and 400m IM, and the 100m backstroke. 
Women’s 200m back
Maya Dirado (USA), gold:
"It has been a lot of tears the past few days. These Olympics have been so inspirational and I have used these emotions to give me a boost for the race. I knew this was my last chance and I enjoyed every little piece of it."
"The emotion definitely came out as soon as I finished. It was pretty visible I think. I couldn't stop looking at my family because I hadn't touched and talked to them since 4 weeks. I am a cryier. This is how it comes out."
"My backstroke came very far. Since last year it is really good and it has become my event."
"I have to finish college now. I feel so much love from people from there."
Katinka Hosszu (HUN), silver:
"I am pleased with this. We have been racing a lot together and it's cool when you arrive at a final and you know the person racing next to you very well."
"I think I did pretty well with three. Going to the USA allowed me to train even harder. All the girls walking out of this final have at least been training hard for 20 or 15 years."
"Right now I would want to win more races. I would like to swim more. But I mean, 3 golds and this silver is good. I felt the fire today and I want to get back to work because next summer is Budapest, it will be pretty special for me of course."
