(CNN) -- Ryan Lochte won the United States' first gold medal at the London Olympics with an outstanding performance in Saturday's 400m individual medley. 

Swimming superstar Michael Phelps, who has 14 Olympic gold medals from his three previous Olympics, could only manage fourth place in a disappointing performance. 

"I think I am in shock right now. Going into these Games I knew I was capable of getting the win. I'm happy that I was able to do that," said Lochte. 

The rivalry between Lochte and Phelps has dominated the build up to this year's swimming competition, but Phelps couldn't live up to the hype as he struggled to find the form that helped him win eight golds in eight days at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. 

With First Lady Michelle Obama in attendance, Lochte, the current Fina male swimmer of the year, dominated the race from the start. 

The six-time Olympic medal winner, including three golds, opened up an early lead and never looked liked being caught in the race that combines four different strokes. 

Phelps hasn't missed out on a medal since finishing fifth in the 200m butterfly at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but he ends day one empty handed after finishing behind surprise medal winners Thiago Pereira and Kosuke Hagino. 

"It was just a crappy race. They swam a better race than me, they swam a smarter race than me and that is why they are on the podium," said Phelps, who is scheduled to compete in seven events at the Games. 
What sport is Phelps in?
Who was his teammate?
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What did Lochte win?
What place?
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How many medals does Phelps have?
How many games had he performed at before?
What place did he come out in the race?
Where were the games in 2008?
swimming
Swimming superstar Michael Phelps
Ryan Lochte
Ryan Lochte won the United States'
the United States
won the United States' first gold medal 
400m individual medley.
(CNN) -- Ryan Lochte won the United States' first gold medal at the London Olympics with an outstanding performance in Saturday's 400m individual medley. 
first place
Ryan Lochte won the United States' first gold medal 
at the London Olympics
at the London Olympics
Saturday
Saturday's 400m individual medley. 

14 gold medals
Michael Phelps, who has 14 Olympic gold medals f
Three
 his three previous Olympics
4th
could only manage fourth place in a disappointing performance. 
Beijing
 2008 Beijing Olympics. 
