Michael Phelps' death stare before the 200-meter butterfly semifinals in Rio de Janeiro became an instant internet sensation. And it apparently worked in slowing down his rival.
As opponent Chad le Clos of South Africa warmed up with a dance in front of him, Phelps unleashed a glare that has inspired the hashtag #PhelpsFace and inspired countess internet memes, the Today show noted.
Le Clos beat Phelps in the event during the 2012 Olympics and then taunted him.
Then Phelps defeated him during the world championships last year, after which Le Clos told The Associated Press, "I'm just very happy that he's back to his good form, so he can't come out and say, 'Oh, I haven't been training' or all that rubbish that he's been talking. Next year is going to be Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier."
Phelps took second place Monday to advance to the finals, Time magazine noted. He finished with a time of 1:54.12 and Le Clos came in third with a time of 1:55.19.
The two were to face off in Tuesday's finals.
Twitter users shared a stream of memes and comments.
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