U.S. wins its 1st gold medal of the Olympics in swimming

TOKYO, Japan — Chase Kalisz won the first American medal of the Tokyo Games when he captured gold in the men’s 400-meter individual medley. Jay Litherland made it a 1-2 finish for the powerhouse U.S. team.

He rallied on the freestyle leg to take the silver. Brendon Smith of Australia claimed bronze. Kalisz is a protégé and former training partner of Olympic great Michael Phelps.

Kieran Smith grabbed another medal for the Americans with bronze in the men’s 400 freestyle. Tunisia’s Ahmed Hafnaoui was the surprising winner from lane eight, while Australia’s Jack McLoughlin settled for silver after leading much of the race.