Although the world record holder recorded the fourth-fastest time in the morning heats, clocking four minutes 15.38 seconds, he was beaten by two of his team mates.

Only two swimmers from each country are allowed to compete in the eight-man final and fellow Americans Ryan Lochte and Tyler Clary each dipped under the previous Pan Pac record to finish the energy-sapping race first and second.

World champion Lochte touched in 4.08.77 with Clary close behind in 4.09.20.