By Julian Linden
Michael Phelps,
his emotions overflowing as he swam his last competitive race before
retiring, ended his record-breaking career on Saturday the only way he
knew how, by winning another Olympic gold medal.
Joining forces with
his American team mates, Phelps gave the sporting world one last view
of his incredible talent and determination to win when the United States blitzed their opposition in the men's medley relay on the final day of the swimming competition at the London Games.
"I couldn't ask to
finish on a better note," Phelps said. "I have done everything I wanted
to do. I am very happy."
It was the perfect
ending for the most decorated Olympian of all time who built a stockpile
of medals that once seemed unimaginable.
He finished his career with 18 gold medals, six from Athens, eight from Beijing and four from London, twice as many as the next best in any sport.
Phelps also won two silver and two bronze medals during
his career, giving him a total of 22, yet another record. Soviet
gymnast Larisa Latynina held the previous record for almost half a
century but Phelps set a standard that could last even longer.
When he finished
his final race, the crowd at London's Aquatics Centre, including his
mother Debbie, rose to their feet to give him a standing ovation.
Swimming's world
governing body FINA presented him with their lifetime achievement award
and Phelps' lifetime coach Bob Bowman whispered in his ear: "I love
you."
"We hugged, he said 'We did it,' we smiled and I said 'yes we did' and that was it."