Olympics: Rochte claims first gold in London, Phelps off podium

London, July 29 (IANS) US swimming sensation Ryan Lochte claimed gold in the men's 400 metres individual medley at the London Olympics while his superstar teammate Michael Phelps failed to make the podium.

In the opening event at London Aquatics Center, Lochte, a three-time Olympic champion, led from the very beginning to touch wall first at 4:05.18, Xinhua reported.

Brazil's Thiago Pereira finished second at 4:08.86, while Japanese Yuya Horihata settled for bronze at 4:08.94.

Phelps finished fourth at 4:09.18.