Michael Phelps Sets All Time Olympic Medals Record

U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps reached two milestones on July 31st.  First, he won a silver medal in the 200 meter butterfly, the 18 Olympic medal of his career.   That tied him with Soviet gymnast Larrisa Latynina for the most Olympic medals ever.  Then, swimming the anchor leg of the 4 X 200 relay, Phelps became the all time leader, as the U.S. team won the gold.  Phelps usually swims the first leg of relays, but this time Ryan Lochte swam first, with Phelps as anchor.  The move paid off as the U.S. blew out the competition ina no doubt about it fashion.

Phelps now has two silvers and a gold in this Olympics, and he’s not done yet.  He has three events left, and could finish with as many as 22 total medals in his career.  Phelps has said this is definitely his last Olympics, but even if he doesn’t win another medal in his last three events (which is unlikely) he’s established a record that will be very tough to beat.