London2012: Michael Phelps grabs record 19th Olympic medal

By Magdalena Stanislav

LONDON (TheSportsNext) August 1, 2012: Classy swimmer from the United States, Michael Phelps entered his name as the best Olympian of all time on Tuesday when he won his 19^th medal in the London2012 4x200 meters freestyle relay at the Aquatics Center.

 

Michael Phelps used his class and speed to help the United States win 4x200 meters freestyle relay in an emphatic fashion and with it completed the feat which he missed out in the 200 meters butterfly where South African Chad le Clos undid the American’s bid for a treble.

However, Michael Phelps never lost heart and produced a magical performance in the 4x200m freestyle relay to not only earn the United States an important gold medal but also created history with this victory.

Now Michael Phelps has won 19 medals at the London 2012 Olympics and with his latest gold medal the American swimmer has surpassed gymnast Larisa Latynina of Soviet Union who had clinched 18 medals during the phase of 1956 to 1964.

Michael Phelps, 27, snatched six gold medals and two bronze medals at the Athens 2004 before clinching record eight gold medals at the Beijing 2008 and now at the London 2012 he has already won three medals.

After unprecedented show at the Beijing 2008, Michael Phelps failed to match his own excellence in London as he slumped out of the medals race in the 400 meters individual medley before made to settle for a silver medal in the 4x100 meters freestyle relay. However, he looked all set to clinch his record 19^th medal on Tuesday at London 2012 once he took over the final leg with a healthy lead under his belt.

Phelps said, "I thanked those guys for helping me get to this moment. I told those guys I wanted a big lead in the last leg and they gave it to me. I just wanted to hold on. I just wanted to thank them for allowing me to have this moment."