Rio 2016: CBC commentator confuses Michael Phelps with Ryan Lochte for whole race

An Olympics commentator working for Canadian broadcaster CBC suffered embarrassment on Thursday night when he confused Michael Phelps for rival Ryan Lochte.

Elliotte Friedman mixed the pair up for the duration of the 200m individual medley final, which Phelps won to claim his 22nd Olympic gold medal.

As Phelps streaked home for the win, Friedman believed him to be Lochte, Phelps’ compatriot and long-term rival at the top of world swimming.

Friedman shouted: “Finally, he’s going to do it! Ryan Lochte is going to beat Michael Phelps in this event! Phelps might not even make the podium."

Phelps, however, won while Lochte trailed in fourth.

In the immediate moments after Phelps touched for gold, CBC’s broadcast fell silent. Friedman, admirably, admitted to his error immediately.

“I apologise, I got my lanes mixed up. Phelps with the gold,” he said.

The Canadian commentator, whose professionalism has been widely praised after the mistake, owned up to his error once again in the hours after the event and apologised to viewers on Twitter.

“I’m sorry everyone. I blew it. No excuses,” he wrote.

Phelps, meanwhile, broke a 2,168-year-old record for the most all-time individual Olympic titles with the victory.

The previous record was held by Leonidas of Rhoses, who is believed to have won more Olympic titles at the ancient games than anyone else.