Michael Phelps, the world-renowned Olympic swimmer, won gold during Tuesday’s 4×200 freestyle relay alongside teammates Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer and Ricky Berens. Phelps also earned his 19th medal – an honor that solidified him as the most decorated Olympian of all time.
Phelps netted his 17th and 18th medals, both silvers, during the 4×100 freestyle relay and 200 meter butterfly races.
With 19 medals, Phelps passes Larisa Latynina, who won 18 medals for gymnastics during the 50s and 60s. Latynina was present for the race in which Phelps won his 19th medal.
“Phelps deserves the record,” Latynina told the New York Times through an interpreter. “He is such a talented sportsman.”
Phelps broke records four years ago when, in Beijing, he received eight gold medals for swimming, breaking Mark Spitz’ long-standing record of seven gold medals accumulated during one set of Olympic games. Phelps was also named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year in 2008.
Phelps has confirmed he will retire from professional swimming after the 2012 London games.
Photo courtesy of The Los Angeles Times.