Olympic Games swimming: day three - in pictures

Britain's Caitlin McClatchey found the going tough in the women's 200m freestyle final ... she came last Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian/guardian.co.uk

Allison Schmitt of America was the overjoyed winner Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian/guardian.co.uk

Michael Phelps looked imperious in the 200m butterfly and had a god lead at the final turn Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian/guardian.co.uk

But he glided to the finish line while his rival Chad Le Clos produced a stunning surge and final stroke to win by a finger-tip. Phelps could hardly believe it Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian/guardian.co.uk

Nor could the South African Le Close. At least Phelps could satisfy himself with a silver medal which gave him an all-time record-equaling tally of 18 Olympic medals Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian/guardian.co.uk

Andrew Willis of Team GB qualified third fastest for the men's 200m breaststroke final which will take place on Wednesday night Photograph: guardian.co.uk

While Michael Jamieson of GB qualified fastest Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Hannah Miley raced in the women's 200m individual medley and strained herself to the limit ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian/guardian.co.uk

She was all smiles despite the disappointment of not winning a medal Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian/guardian.co.uk

Sixteen year-old swimming sensation - and the focus of much controversial criticism in recent days - Ye Shiwen won gold in the women's 200m individual medley for China Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian/guardian.co.uk

Her rivals looked somewhat jealous of her medal on the podium Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian/guardian.co.uk

Jemma Lowe of Britain qualified safely from the women's 200m butterfly semi-finals Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian/guardian.co.uk

Phelps was back in the pool in the men's 4x200m freestyle final. He swam the final leg as the USA won gold - a success which makes him the most decorated Olympian of all time Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian