Michael Phelps Cements Himself as All-Time Great Olympian With Record 19th Medal

by Zach Stoloff on Wed, Aug 1, 2012 at 12:07AM

There is now a new most-decorated Olympian in the event's history, and his name is Michael Phelps.

It may not have been quite as dramatic a race as Phelps was during his Bejing best, but the 27-year-old took silver during the 200-meter butterfly on Tuesday to capture his 19th medal overall, passing Soviet Union gymnast Larisa Latynina. Phelps won't match the eight gold medals he took home during the 2008 Games, but he will go down in history as the winningest Olympian ever.

Phelps has lost a little of his star power during these Games to teammate Ryan Lochte, winning two gold medals (including the US' first) between individual events and team relays. Still, it's a big day for Phelps, who had also caught some attention prior to the games for at least one accusation from a teammate that he has so much natural ability he doesn't work as hard as other swimmers.

All that appears to be past, and now the world is simply focusing on the total count, and the fact that Phelps will be remembered among the greatest Olympians ever to grace the international stage.

Photo via twitter/@davidshrigley

Photo of the Night

We're suddenly swelling with Dutch pride.

Photo via Twitter/@S_Amirgholi

Quote of the Night

"I’m not going to take anything away from my ability, so when you ask me that question, I’m going to say, yes, I believe I’m one of the best receivers on the football team, next to Santonio Holmes."
–Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie, humbly evaluating his own skill set