He is now the world's most decorated Olympian.

Michael Phelps scooped his 19th medal after winning the 4X200 metres freestyle relay.

Spectators and fellow swimmers were excited for him after the race.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) KSENIA GORCHAN SAYING:

"That was amazing to be part of history, very exciting, we're coming back."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) COLIN RUSSELL, CANADIAN SWIMMER, SAYING:

"He's a legend, Phelps is a legend. No one gets eight gold medals without being legendary. That's why he's Phelps."

Americans back home were also celebrating his win.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) JOHN WHITFIELD, FLORIDA TOURIST, SAYING:

"I think that's absolutely awesome and I am very proud of him and I'm proud to be an American."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DAVID BROWN, JR, NEW YORKER, SAYING:

"It's an honor to like be living in this lifetime to witness something of this nature. Michael Phelps is an outstanding athlete and what he has accomplished, I'm sure even to himself is like out of this world. It's amazing, I think we all believe that it's amazing, we are all so proud of him."

The previous record holder is Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina with a total of 18 medals.

Sophia Soo, Reuters.