USA vs France: The most epic Swim Relay Finish - Beijing 2008

[@DonLee1980]

Jason Lezak had the most insane swim of his life to add on to Phelps legacy 8 gold medals. He was totally possessed.

[@michaelback9516]

Possessed is the perfect word. Man performed on another level than everyone else

[@donwaltz2798]

Yeah Colin jones almost gave it away

[@paulgutermann8413]

Don Waltz No. In the Bud Greenspan documentary, Lezak talks about how Cullen Jones kept his poise as the French swimmer passed him and did not “over swim” his race.

[@stuartknight2174]

Lezac is a God .... he almost walked on water to win that .... I must have watched that race 1000 times and it Never fails to give me goos bumps !

[@TroyChewning]

@@michaelback9516 still to this day

[@peterkierst2744]

Lezak's performance was one of the greatest athletic achievements ever. Sheer force of will, combined with skill.

[@drym3943]

If Bernard swam on the right side it would have been différents

[@austinsutton27]

@@jacquessowhat3680 He's not wrong though... Lezak rode the perfect wake while behind Bernard to conserve energy. It was amazing. But the best swimmer in that pool was Bernard. Lezak doesn't even hold a record in 100m free. Mind you I was cheering for the Americans, but it was a miracle they won.

[@jacquessowhat3680]

@@austinsutton27 it was amazing.

[@Lunzatis_Palemoon]

@@austinsutton27 I wouldn't call it a miracle. Using an opponent's mistake to win is something that veterans often do in sports. Lezak saw the mistake Bernard made and used it to his advantage to conserve energy giving him the needed energy to overtake Bernard at the end of the race. That is a veteran move.

[@austinsutton27]

@@Lunzatis_Palemoon That's not true. Not all wakes make It over the ropes. I swam for many years so I have some knowledge coming into this. The wake generated was a "perfect storm" to take advantage of but that time nonetheless will be the fastest time swum for a very long time. And like I said, Lezak doesn't even hold a record ever in 100 free.

[@markharris5107]

One of the most exciting swim relays in Olympic history. That last half-lap by Lezak was unbelievable.

[@KidFury27]

This should be forever known as LEZAK'S greatest race!!! What a stud

[@ryanhuisman5381]

If Alain Bernard had been swimming in the middle of his lane like he should have, Lezak probably doesn't catch him. Lezak undoubtedly used the wake coming off Bernard to conserve energy until the final 15 meters, then poured it on to win. Smart, savvy move by a veteran swimmer in Lezak and a huge tactical mistake by Bernard.

[@Lunzatis_Palemoon]

I completely agree with this. Lezak used his experience as a veteran to take advantage of a tactical mistake by an opponent.

[@FourLuckyLeafs]

@@jay1373 ikr. He thinks nobody else watched the video with subtitles on 😂 he basically repeated what the French he guy said word for word.

[@am72678]

Bousquet wanted Bernard to go 2nd becoz he was inexperienced and young at the time and was prone to making mistakes due to pressure but the French higher ups changed their order in order to sell the story of the youngster winning gold for France. Pretty pathetic lol.

[@izzybroome8525]

Winners just find a way to win.

[@hl954]

Lezak swam 46 flat. That's not luck that's the fastest swim in history. if you add in 0.6 - 07 reaction time, his time is still better than the current world record today by at least 10 tenths of a second.

[@SOGtv-76]

This race was epic, even the 4th place broke the world record. Amazing 👏 🙀

[@shawnyoung8752]

Your team breaks the world record !!! And finishes 4th. That is not fair. Give them a tin medal at keas

[@vturner]

@@shawnyoung8752why ? While they were beating the WR, 3 teams were ahead of them doing even better

[@VerySaneDr]

@@shawnyoung8752 breaking the world record isn't the aim ;)

[@derekm1918]

Technically they didn’t break the record because the U.S. finished before they and that was the new record

[@ConsistentFix]

The Speedo suits were what broke the WRs. That 2008 WR/OR won't be beaten for a while.

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

Best race I ever saw. True example of team spirit.

[@daviddemaria3982]

This was so epic, I have to watch it at least once a year. The call by Dan Hicks and Rowdy Gaines is legendary.

[@lshaps46]

Very enlightening to hear the views of the French swimmers. It was such a letdown for them. As an American, I was elated with Jason Lezak's phenomenal performance.

[@camillep3631]

anything you can share? What did they think of Lezak's sprint? Did they say maybe they shouldn't have been talking smack before the race, "The Americans,? We're going to smash them" I believe was the sentiment

[@catbeater4life]

@@camillep3631 they have said in press releases that they never said sentiments like that, that it was coaches and media that were hyping it up. I'm not sure what the truth is, but I could believe either side

[@miekeeerkens1001]

Me too. This is why you don't get cocky and talk smack before a race. What a thrilling upset! I got to hold Lezak's gold medal from this race when he came to do a swim clinic. He was very humble about it.

[@mountains_beaches98]

I don't know why everyone hates the editing but I really liked it, it gave me that rivalry feels between two great teams.

[@miekeeerkens1001]

For one, he has the announcers yelling that he's done it before he even touched the wall. That's not how it went down.

[@vezmike6836]

video editing is very strange

[@sawyercarlitti866]

Lol yea

[@twilaritchey3492]

Yeah ikr

[@moniquejohnson8427]

Exactly.

[@manilaboy1586]

I watch this live long time 2008

[@Prettybabyyalyssa]

vezmike no cap i liked it

[@cindymcgiffert3807]

Jason Lestak had the swim of a lifetime. One of the best of all time.

[@AndyMatts44]

Still the fastest ever.

[@yihongli5805]

@@AndyMatts44not when pan Zhanle comes into action

[@eliazaravancena3185]

OMG! The editing is so weird and creepy. It feels like watching a tragic documentary.

[@TheAlexMassaad]

For France yeah

[@Ankit-hu1nf]

hahahahahahahah

[@politelady123]

🤣🤣

[@drym3943]

it is

[@Comments.section]

Les misérables 😂😂😂

[@saraadnane6851]

I love how everyone's commenting about the editing and not how that was one crazy swim relay 😂👌

[@quincydq1226]

It really was because they were way ahead

[@ikhwanarimuniri3849]

46.06 for Jason Lezak. Amazing Relay i've ever seen 😱😱😱😱😱

[@tradehead]

I've never heard a better call in all of sports. Tremendous commentary and exuberance in the announcer's voice. Just terrific!

[@johnhuddleston8647]

Jason Lezak, with this race, cemented himself as one of the greatest, if not the greatest sprinter of all time!! Olympic history was made twice here in the same event!!

[@kev1368]

He’s not even close to being one of the best sprinters of all time, which is why this relay performance is so incredible. Especially to do it against Bernard, who went on to win the Gold in the 100 Fr

[@camillep3631]

@@kev1368 his split of 46 seconds still stands as fastest 50M ever

[@marieteeeee90]

Lezak's performance was awesome. His outstanding time, of 46.06 s, is explained by the use of a swim suit, the reaction time and mostly because of Bernard's draft. Bernard failed in swimming next to his lane and Lezak was very intelligent in taking advantage of it.

[@youtubedick-tators1991]

Everyone was using a swim suit.

[@RSGuides577]

Why did a 3 year old edit this

[@georgepronto7653]

because the 4 year old was busy doing nursery school homework...

[@mariaalpirez6625]

@@georgepronto7653 rofl

[@chamahlangu2446]

22134567980poiuyrrwasdfghjkllnvzxz

[@mareyplana8358]

I remember meeting Lezak such an inspiration. Great guy. I was so young and he came to be a speak at our team banquet. Truly one of the greatest.

[@alyssafrizzo844]

And Lezak’s split of 46.06 is still .85 ahead of the current world record, so even accounting for reaction time, he would have the world record by a pretty big margin

[@Hmkls]

Wrong. He would not achieve close to that time if he swam on his own without draft from Bernard for 75 out of the 100 meters.

[@octane7774]

Lezak is one helluva Beast

[@sciencegeek9706]

@@Hmkls ...and the suit. He's the body type that the '08 and '09 suit helped most. But Bernard also has that body type so... Anyway Lezak is the hero of heroes. if I see him I will bow. So please don't take my comment wrong.

[@lughio96]

That costumes made you swim faster

[@louiscyfer6944]

Alyssa Frizzo it doesn't work like that, it is a relay start, gives more advantage than just taking away the reaction time. you also don't get the draft and the motivation of a chase down.

[@dennismcgraw9659]

Certainly one of the Greatest Sports Moments in history.

[@tenzinthutop1228]

Video editing is more painfull than watching france loose

[@anonymousa6115]

Tashi Gyaltsen your spelling of a simple word is more painful to read than watching the video

[@arribabundesband3226]

You can relieve your pain watching london olympics

[@spatrick8422]

@Space QuackHD seriously? lame

[@markjurczyk]

They were to cocky and got pounded hahahahahahah

[@gamemastersully8074]

GSA USA all the way 🇺🇸 💪🏼💪🏼

[@sjhammer100]

What an incredible effort. Never watched swimming, but this is one of my favorite Olympic replays

[@carsonkien8141]

Why is the editing so weird?

[@germainfloch7724]

cause documentary shows how french swimmers have beeen spoiled by french tvs and french papers...

[@cultureshock72]

I'll never forget watching this when it was first aired. I've never been more excited about sports in my life.

[@AA-jd2iz]

Me too! i was screaming yelling jumping up and down like crazy!!! lol

[@bidyutbiswas4588]

I still remember!what a epic race .the best..... i ever seen.. period! Go usa ! Still watching after 12 years .

[@franciscojesus7156]

Isso só prova que nunca se deve cantar vitória antes de ganhar !!!! Os USA sempre serão as lendas da Natação !!!!!

[@Vareso]

I remember this like it was yesterday, its one of my favourite races of all time with the back story and buildup. Its nice to hear what the thoughts of the french team were at the time as Bernard is one of my favourite swimmers! Gosh the video editing is strangely annoying though haha!

[@Ryan-zs4bk]

I was 11 when i watched this live in 2008, i too can remember it and it gave me such a feeling to not give up when it looks like you’re behind. What a great moment in history it will be

[@Vareso]

Yeah bro! I was 14 and i remember i went to training like 11 times/week for the next month after watching this because i was so motivated! haha... I wish kids these days looked up to Olympians like most of us did back then!

[@deborahporter9731]

this video is STUPID all it is is the FRENCH making excuses!!!!

[@mushroomtip9331]

You’re the only comment that hasn’t complained about the editing

[@yesmk000]

@@deborahporter9731 dude stfu these are RAESONS not excuses, Alain had made a lot of mistakes wich makes it why they lost it. And the whole point of the vid is trying to understand the emotions of the french when they lost the biggest moment of their lives

[@ambersimpson4528]

why couldn’t you guys just upload the regular clip

[@bwadehra]

amber z the regular clip is on their channel in a different video. the point of this video is to show the french side of this race

[@sandranorman5469]

Where is it??

[@ryanthomas82]

@@bwadehra Notice that it doesn't mention that at all in the video title or description. Oh, and both are in English, but the French that occupies 60% of this video has no subtitles, no translation. A lot of French speakers understand English, but not many English speakers understand French. Its like telling someone you're serving them vanilla ice cream then acting surprised when they get upset that its coconut with raisins. English speakers clicked on this video to rewatch an epic match in ENGLISH.

[@Lupin788]

@@ryanthomas82 Did you enable the English subtitles?

[@daviddemaria3982]

It's on Vimeo now. Full broadcast with no bullshit editing.

[@antonioromano9963]

LEZAK= INTELLIGENCE, TECHNIQUE, STAMINA, LUCIDITY & CLARITY OF MIND , SELF CONFIDENCE AND .....

[@hwh5045]

I was really proud of this American team and the best swimming event ever😊

[@wiadroman]

Running and swimming relays are perhaps the most iconic and exciting sport events.

[@BananaManZang]

Was like watching making a murderer

[@sarahsmith3682]

OMG you're right HAHA

[@mr.laqueash169]

I bet the relay order change messed with the French swimmers heads they’d been practicing the order of the exchanges for weeks. The more fatal mistake was Frances anchor letting lezak draft off of him. The Americans were undoubtedly filled with a wild energy. From Phelps who wanted 8, Webber-Gale whose first Olympic final was this event, Jones who had fought hard to earn that relay spot, to lezak who was possessed and went 46.06. At the end of the day nothing matters except how you swim. The French got their dub 4 years later so I don’t see this as a sad ending for them.

[@madpuppy54]

note: the next Olympics it was the French who rode the wake on the way in. After 3 finishes like this, I think the anchoer leg will learn to not swim near the lane line to give up a wake ride

[@chadtellevik5479]

Why give Phelps even more motivation by talking smack. That was the first huge mistake.

[@RigoOXx]

Let's be honest, in this race Jason Lezak saved the whole team. France have done it better until Lezak came in, I mean, he swam a 46.06!!!! Still in 2019 that's the fastest 100 free EVER. He saved Phelps and his team

[@bardiah6983]

@@RigoOXx Very true

[@jessefolpp6972]

Phelps was getting whipped in his leg, if it was a one of 100m he got slammed

[@Lukithunder]

@@jessefolpp6972 Not really, he was second after his leg and the only reason he wasn't first was cause Eamon Sullivan broke the existing world record in his swim. He beat the French guy Leveaux too.

[@vicentegarcia6974]

@@Lukithunder correct. Lezak did the race of his life, but Weber-Gail race was also amazing (won) and crucial for the victory. And also Phelps beat Leveaux.

[@johnford5568]

Proverbs 29:23- A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.

[@juliusallison3958]

I need my American brother to watch this every day. I have never felt more American that on this day watching in a bar downtown, America being the underdog, but actually winning gold. I dapped up White, black, Asian, and Hispanic Americans on this day. It was just awesome. That feeling carried on throughout the rest of the night. Only good vibes. That night was awesome.

[@richardkennedy9771]

This never gets old!!!

[@isabelledavis2981]

I can’t wait to see the 2022 Beijing china winter Olympic Games events and the 2024 Paris France 🇫🇷 summer Olympic Games events

[@ricecrispy7951]

One of the best Olympics events I’ve ever seen!

[@lillmissd]

Jason Lezak shined! He's a hero of the highest order!

[@georgeversfeld4320]

These graphics are wack

[@gienbot7954]

wack?

[@watchdentim1234]

Gien Bot wAcK

[@gienbot7954]

don't undersatand. Repeating it doesn't explain it.

[@elen__]

Gien Bot wack means bad

[@SurfaceTiara61]

@@gienbot7954 sorry that you can't take 5 seconds out of your day and look it up

[@jerkyburger]

I was in high school when this happened. My mom made me leave the room to do homework but then backed up the DVR and made me come back in to watch the race, so awesome!

[@l-wolverine2211]

Without a doubt, 🇺🇸 & 🇫🇷 were & still among the 2 best countries when it comes to Swimming.

[@brianwarren7196]

Jason Lezak- the single greatest competitive swim i have ever seen

[@ermir7996]

This relay race and 100m butterfly demonstrate how difficult is to win 8 gold olympic medals! Phelps once in a lifetime champion.

[@sciencegeek9706]

Yeah, hopefully it's not done again soon because of the added events. Swimming is already mocked a bit by talking heads because there's more medals to be won than any other sport. I don't mind the addition of the 800/1500 for men/women at all because sprinters already get all the glory but mixed relays.... Smh..

[@facepainter7297]

Greatest live sporting event I have ever watched!

[@grahamrandazzo7696]

Jason Lezak, just amazing.

[@laidsgpr63]

This guy Michael Phelps. Well he is just OUTSTANDING !! Just keep swimming !!

[@Howlingburd19]

Haha, I STILL remember this! Our Olympic athletes makes me so proud to be an American 🇺🇸

[@JuanHidalgoMartin]

Lezak did one of tbe greatest performances in the history of the sports.

[@GinBreadMan68]

Greatest swim in Olympic history from the greatest relay swimmer in US history.

[@miekeeerkens1001]

The French don't have anything to be ashamed about. Lezak just found some superhuman strength and pulled off the fastest split in history. I still watch this race whenever I want to feel motivated and think something is a done deal. Most incredible sport upset I have ever seen, knowing how impossible making up that gap is in the sport of swimming.

[@AndyMatts44]

Seriously, they went 3.91 seconds faster than the previous world record. That is completely obliterating the record. The bad news was that the US relay went 3.99 seconds faster.

[@ConsistentFix]

@@AndyMatts44 It's the suits though. Everyone was faster. 4 of those teams that day smashed the previous WR. The issue with Bernard wasn't his overall time but how he paced himself. His 2nd 50 was incredibly slow.

[@ohyes966]

As as American it is quite interesting to hear the perspective of the French and how all these years later it still is difficult for him talk about. The coaching decision, while many will argue is a fluke of an excuse, is definitely something to consider. Anyone who's played team sports knows that most times you have a role and stepping outside that comfort zone can throw you for a loop. Even the greatest in the world can sometimes blow nearly a second lead on a 50m swim. But man, 12 years later and I still get goosebumps watching that race. Iconic moment in American Olympic Sports History.

[@samuelloetscher1815]

Horrible excuse. Maybe if there was no change they win, but equally likely they lose by more. Just because one strategy lead to a loss, doesn't mean the opposite strategy would've won. Horrible excuse and toxic mindset. France smashed the WR, USA just swam faster.

[@tm75_88]

technically the greatest comeback ever is Federica Pellegrini's one to secure gold for Italy in the 4x200 relay at the Euros 2014 ... Surely Lezak's one is the most important because it was at the Olympics and because it was for the 8th gold for Phelps .....Pellegrini went back from a gap of 4 sec. and 51 cents !!! ....literally insane

[@LarchenkoL.A111]

USA WORLD FAVORITE IN SWIMMING 🏊‍♀️

[@junomaxzoey5146]

This is, by far, the most iconic relay of all time.

[@trymtverbakk7233]

I actually loved the editing of this video. It make it a lot more dramatic.

[@maharshibhattacharyya1618]

What is even more impressive is that bernard's split also was a super quick 46.73 and lezak did it

[@jean3525]

it is not so impressive for bernard don't forget he is the world record holder in the 4 100 athen 2009 he swam 46.35

[@stewardshipes2]

Alain Bernard was a great champion. He should never be negative about getting beat by Lezak’s once in a lifetime miracle.

[@wimpymcsteel4458]

He got his revenge shortly after. Nice that everyone had their spot in the lime light.

[@rugbyralph288]

I watch this video multiple times a year. We all do.

[@dhaz2847]

One of the all time best relay races ever....smack down from smack talk...USA CLOWNED AND CROWNED

[@LuanVerdao]

a recuperação de Alain depois pra vencer as provas foi algo de um mental muito forte.

[@fernandogallegos2870]

Gracias por subtitularlo al español hay mucha gente hispana que quiere ver estos videos

[@binauralwalks8164]

Look at Lezak's technique around 4:20 when he catches up with Bernard. He waits for his second arm to come into the water before the pulling with his 1st arm. It's like both his arms are pulling quickly one after the other.

[@dchang11]

I was watching the race in Taiwan. Couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The newspaper headlines that night and next morning were insane.

[@arcade85_]

Lezak and Bernard: tied in the final strokes Audio edit (two seconds too early): He's done it! The U.S. has done it!

[@mooNylou]

You cant be real with this video edit

[@shingouki5285]

C'est l'une des plus beaux relai si c'est le plus des relais en natation de l'histoire des jeux olympiques. Mais la France tant bien que les États-Unis. L'une des plus belles rivalités au relai 4×100m nage libre aux JO 2008 ,2012,2016.

[@edwardadaba8734]

The NBC coverage made this more dramatic, honestly. I loved every bit of the race.............

[@innertubez]

This race was insane. At one point, half the field was ahead of the world record split.

[@stevenhaff3332]

I remember watching this on tv, it was totally engaging and exciting. Two great relay teams. Congrats to both, although the disappointment for the French was huge.

[@stewarttele7132]

It was never about revenge, it was about the "talking" before the race. If the french didn't start talking big, no one would care.

[@easyawesomemagic5703]

This editing was actually insane.

[@NastyaSiberia]

when you were so close to victory, it kills you, it's heartbreaking

[@eherman9780]

Thoughtful context and human scale to an extraordinary race. Really enjoyable, the editing albeit peculiarly haunting, brought forward well-timed facets to the story.

[@musicfan1517]

Chasing down a guy who's just recently set the world record, and has a half body length head start on you... UNBELIEVABLE...this swim by Lezak is as impressive a feat as the entire eight gold medals Michael Phelps won, IMO. Unbelievable team player.

[@crimsoncrater]

Can never get over this win 🤯

[@Olezhick]

you are legends and this is the most important thing

[@dentonyoung4314]

Bernard didn't have a bad split. It's just that Lezak had freakin' wings in the final 50.

[@HendyRoddyck]

as a swimmer, i just realize now that waves made from the other swimmer can make you go faster. what the heck!!

[@sciencegeek9706]

Is this a joke? If not haven't you ever been leading the lane with someone on your feet? So you make them lead and now you're on their feet.. Especially someone as big and fast as Bernard will leave a huge wave and current.

[@sciencegeek9706]

After watching Simone's two big wins it makes me think Dressel should completely chill the first 50 and drop the hammer coming home. Imagine how easy he would be going that first lap with his start. He'd almost be able to truly negative split a 100 meter freestyle.

[@EssErre88]

Ok, only a question (from someone who can't swim and, oblivious, know nothing about the wave in swimming) But if you look the American athlete stay near the border, not in the center of his space... But the French one do the same. He is near the border (the same border) too. And if the French guy stay here by change... Why we can't say the same for the American one?

[@daphnetowles4779]

Yes you see that also and lezak rode him all the way

[@Analyst2019pro]

Hard to overstate how great this video and relay are

[@liftbread]

Lezak is like almost out of the water during the comeback 50m LMAO so much power

[@isaiasbueno2613]

Sem dúvidas a prova mais épica da natação olímpica, um reviravolta inacreditável..

[@tromboneJTS]

Thank you for the translation. I always wondered why Bernard swam so close to the lane line. That was a beginner's mistake that cost them the gold. The fact that the coaches changed the relay order at the last minute is inexcusable.

[@sciencegeek9706]

I guess Rowdy is correct after all. Which way Bernard was breathing played an extremely important role in one of swimming's all time historic races.

[@EssErre88]

Amen! Someone say it, finally! If Bernard don't swan so close to the lane line none can "Ride the wave"... Experience teach Lezak to do that and (still) don't to Bernard.

[@SolangeHC]

Fiquei totalmente dividida. Sempre torço pros norte americanos. Mas nesse caso, os franceses estavam muito melhores. Alain Bernard foi tão bacana com nosso César Cielo. Acontece que Jason Lezak não foi humano. Ele simplesmente foi um super humano. Ele foi o vencedor dessa prova.

[@ramjetbusar1972]

Phelps debía lograr su cometido histórico a través de su equipo sólo en ese instante. No hay lugar a comparar uno a uno o equipo a equipo en carreras posteriores.

[@KING-cx7nj]

That is LITTERLY LEGENDARY

[@lishlealuga2161]

Team 🇺🇸 🇺🇸🇺🇸 goosebumps all over😍

[@maurolky9569]

Increíble historia ese récord es una locura

[@fernandotenorio88]

Great video! Congrats.

[@OscarMPG1]

It's like Jason Lezak had one Mario Kart Mushroom boost and used it at the last second.

[@catsincredulous9998]

The announcer makes it epic.

[@jackkjackk8683]

The French have to eat their words and show humility. The Americans were Awesome!

[@marianasanchez9354]

someone, come get your three year old. He's uploading olympic swimming videos and editing the awfully

[@museramos5613]

It is the American spirit. Winning mentality is the reason they got back and won. "Keep Fighting" is the keyword.

[@turtle929]

Change title to France vs USA “How we almost got away with gold”. But all jokes aside they put in some incredible splits, they just had one problem Lezak went full Beast mode!

[@Offwhitekeyboard]

That literally is the title.

[@1tallpaul3]

Still stands as the best relay split ever

[@guymarsault7264]

Thankfully they got their revenge in 2012 and 2013. Pretty unlucky for Bernard to manage a perfectly fine time only to fall on someone who pulls off a 46 sec...

[@lucamazzalai]

Amazing video, thanks😍

[@ramjetbusar1972]

Cada que veo el video saco una conclusión. Por qué los franceses cometieron necesariamente un error, por qué no fue más bien que los estadounidenses fueron mejores y más astutos al nadar los cuatro y especialmente la última posta que al verse casi vencido sacó fuerzas y astucia en pegarse a la línea