Rio de Janeiro: Anthony Ervin of the United States won surprise gold in the men’s 50m freestyle gold in Rio on Friday to become the oldest swimmer ever to win an Olympic title.

The 35-year-old stormed to victory in 21.40 seconds to repeat his success at the Sydney Olympics in the same event 16 years ago and reclaim the title of the world’s fastest swimmer.

Ervin edged France’s defending champion Florent Manaudou by just one-hundredth of a second, with fellow American Nathan Adrian taking his second bronze, after finishing third in the 100m.

Manaudou had looked in control until Ervin’s late flourish denied the Frenchman, the veteran American celebrating by clenching both fists and letting out a roar, to the delight of the Brazilian crowd.