Michael Phelps is world's greatest Olympian
Michael Phelps becomes greatest Olympian of all time with 11th gold medal
Beijing: American swimmer Michael Phelps became the most successful Olympian of all time by winning two more Beijing gold medals on Wednesday to take his career tally to an unprecedented 11 victories.
Phelps swam into history with two triumphs an hour apart, lowering his own world record in the 200m butterfly then leading the United States to a record-shattering victory in the 4x200m freestyle relay - two of six world records in a stunning display of prowess in the pool.
Competing in his third Olympics, Phelps surpassed Olympic legends Paavo Nurmi, Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz and Larysa Latynina, who all won nine golds in their careers.
Phelps brushed off a problem with his goggles that left them full of water. "Under the circumstances, it's not a bad result," he told reporters.
Facts
- Phelps comes from a broken home in Baltimore. His policeman father Fred and school teacher mother Debbie separated when he was only seven.
- When he was 10, Phelps attended the 1996 Olympic Trials to support sister Whitney. She finished sixth in the 200m butterfly final and failed to make the team. Whitney's career was cut short by four herniated discs.
- In December 2004, Phelps was sentenced to 18 months probation after failing a drink driving test.
- When Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe said he did not think anyone could win eight races at a single Olympics, Phelps memorised the quote to motivate him for Beijing.
- Phelps listens to hip hop and rap to help him get focused before a race.
