Swimmer Phelps is golden boy again

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By Ryan O'Halloran

BEIJING | Michael Phelps made the final 100 meters of his Olympics count.

Swimming the third leg for the United States in the 4x100 medley relay Sunday morning at the Water Cube, Phelps propelled his team from third to first, and when Jason Lezak held on to the advantage, Phelps completed a weeklong tour de force that is the best in Olympic history.

Eight races.

Eight gold medals.

Seven world records.

The final record came in the relay, a race the Americans have never lost in the Olympics.

As Lezak made the turn, the crowd of more than 17,000 rose to their feet as if to finally acknowledge what was going to be accomplished. When it was over, Phelps hugged teammate Aaron Peirsol and raised both arms to the air, drawing a roar from the crowd.

The winning time of 3:29.34 was .70 seconds ahead of Australia.

Phelps tied Spitz's record with a thrilling win in the 100-meter butterfly - by .01 second - Saturday morning Beijing time. The sport's governing body reviewed the video and concluded that Phelps touched the wall first and said there was no way he would have lost the gold - they would have ruled the race a dead heat.

"I'm at more of a loss for words than I was yesterday," Phelps said. "The help from these guys made it all possible. It just shows how much teamwork and how much togetherness we have. It's amazing to be a part of."