Australian swimmer Mitch Larkin said he was “pretty happy” despite failing to win gold in the men’s 200m backstroke final on Friday (AEST).

Larkin, the 2015 male world swimmer of the year, entered the Games as favourite to win the 100m and 200m backstroke and was world champion over both distances.

But after finishing fourth in Tuesday’s 100m final, he had to settle for silver after as American Ryan Murphy – who finished in one minute and 53.62 seconds – proved too good.

Larkin (1:53.96secs) just edged Russian Evgeny Rylov (1:53.97secs) for second in an exciting finish.

“I’m pretty happy with silver to be honest,” Larkin told the Seven Network.

“Going into this week … I was seeking two golds – that was the major goal.

“Going in tonight [after 100m failure], all I wanted was to stand on the podium.”

Larkin, who admitted to crying after not winning the 100m backstroke event, started brightly and led at the 50m mark.

But Murphy then took control and never relinquished his lead, with the American’s skill on the turns eventually providing decisive.

Larkin said he was a little disappointed he could not emerge from the pool with a gold medal.

“It’s really tough. It’s an Olympic Games,” he added.

Larkin in action. Photo: Getty

“Every athlete around the world is training for this one event. And it really shows.

“It’s pretty incredible, like I said, to come away with a medal and fourth isn’t to be too disappointed, but you know, I was close to a bronze [in the 100m final] and [to win a] silver – there is that bit of disappointment.”

Further backstroke disappointment

Larkin’s girlfriend, Emily Seebohm, failed to qualify for the women’s 200m backstroke final despite being one of the favourites to win gold.

Seebohm, who swam seventh fastest in Tuesday’s 100m final of the same discipline, took two minutes and 9.39 seconds to complete the 200m semi-final.

The 24-year-old – who won the 100 and 200m backstroke races at last year’s world championships – said she was “not surprised” by her failure to make the final.

Seebohm dives in. Photo: Getty

“I haven’t been on my game and it’s just disappointing, too, I guess … an average Olympics,” she told the Seven Network.

When asked why she was off her game, she responded: “No, I have no idea, which makes it even worse”. 

Australia will have one representative in the women’s 200m backstroke final after Belinda Hocking (2:07.83secs) qualified fifth fastest.