Ultimate Olympian Michael Phelps ends career with 18th gold
- 12 years ago
Michael Phelps has ended an unprecedented career by winning yet another Olympic medal.
The swimmer won his 18th gold in the men's medley relay at the London Games.
It was his last competitive race. The 27-year-old now retires as the most decorated Olympian of all time.
SOUNDBITE: 18-TIMES OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST, MICHAEL PHELPS, SAYING (English):
"As soon as I stepped up on to the podium I could feel the tears start coming, and I said to Nathan 'uh oh here they come, this could be pretty brutal up here', and they just started coming, and I tried to fight it and I just decided to let it go. Whatever happened, happened and just take in these last moments of my swimming career."
Phelps has notched up a total of 22 Olympic medals during a record-breaking career.
Fans say he will not be easily forgotten.
SOUNDBITE: ERIN, TEAM USA SUPPORTER FROM CALIFORNIA, SAYING (English):
"I am going to miss him. He's a trademark of America now! I love him."
SOUNDBITE: JAMES SHIELDS, FROM MARYLAND, SAYING (English):
"There's no way Michael Phelps can be replaced. Never. He's the best ever."
After collecting his final medal, Phelps was awarded a special trophy recognising him as the most successful Olympian in history.
Sarah Charlton, Reuters.
The swimmer won his 18th gold in the men's medley relay at the London Games.
It was his last competitive race. The 27-year-old now retires as the most decorated Olympian of all time.
SOUNDBITE: 18-TIMES OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST, MICHAEL PHELPS, SAYING (English):
"As soon as I stepped up on to the podium I could feel the tears start coming, and I said to Nathan 'uh oh here they come, this could be pretty brutal up here', and they just started coming, and I tried to fight it and I just decided to let it go. Whatever happened, happened and just take in these last moments of my swimming career."
Phelps has notched up a total of 22 Olympic medals during a record-breaking career.
Fans say he will not be easily forgotten.
SOUNDBITE: ERIN, TEAM USA SUPPORTER FROM CALIFORNIA, SAYING (English):
"I am going to miss him. He's a trademark of America now! I love him."
SOUNDBITE: JAMES SHIELDS, FROM MARYLAND, SAYING (English):
"There's no way Michael Phelps can be replaced. Never. He's the best ever."
After collecting his final medal, Phelps was awarded a special trophy recognising him as the most successful Olympian in history.
Sarah Charlton, Reuters.