American Ryan Murphy wins gold in men's 200 backstroke

RIO DE JANEIRO — Ryan Murphy is officially America’s next backstroke star.

The 21-year-old swimmer won the men’s 200 backstroke Thursday night in a time of 1:53.62, three nights after taking gold in the 100 back. Australia's Mitchell Larkin took silver, finishing .34 seconds back, and Evgeny Rylov of Russia won the bronze.

It's the sixth consecutive Games an American has won gold in the event.

American Jacob Pebley finished fifth.

Murphy will also swim in Saturday’s medley relay, a chance for a third Olympic medal.