London 2012: Michael Phelps becomes most successful Olympian after 4x200 metre freestyle relay gold

Tuesday, July 31, 2012
9:29 PM

The American has won 19 Olympic medals in his career

Gold Medalist USA's Michael Phelps celebrates after winning the Men's 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the fourth day of the London 2012 Olympics. Picture: EMPICS Sport

Michael Phelps tonight became the most decorated athlete in Olympic history when his gold in the 4x200 metres freestyle relay took him to 19.

The 27-year-old had equalled Larisa Latynina’s record earlier this evening with silver in the 200m butterfly.

However, the United States swimmer moved him beyond the Russian whose record had stood since 1964 to stand alone at the pinnacle with three more events to come.

Phelps’ medals:

Gold 2004 Athens 100 m butterfly

Gold 2004 Athens 200 m butterfly

Gold 2004 Athens 200 m medley

Gold 2004 Athens 400 m medley

Gold 2004 Athens 4×200 m freestyle

Gold 2004 Athens 4×100 m medley

Gold 2008 Beijing 100 m butterfly

Gold 2008 Beijing 200 m butterfly

Gold 2008 Beijing 200 m medley

Gold 2008 Beijing 400 m medley

Gold 2008 Beijing 200 m freestyle

Gold 2008 Beijing 4×100 m freestyle

Gold 2008 Beijing 4×200 m freestyle

Gold 2008 Beijing 4×100 m medley

Gold 2012 London 4×200 m freestyle

Silver 2012 London 4×100 m freestyle

Silver 2012 London 200 m butterfly

Bronze 2004 Athens 200 m freestyle

Bronze 2004 Athens 4×100 m freestyle