Without 23-time gold medalist Michael Phelps for the first time since the Atlanta Games in 1996, the United States' gold count slipped from 16 at London and Rio to 11 this time around.
Bobby Finke chased down the field in the final moments of the 800m freestyle, while sprinter Caeleb Dressel took top honors in the coveted 100m freestyle swim.
"I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me or feel like silver or any other medals besides gold is a disappointment," said the 1,500-meter champion and 400-meter runner-up.
