Beijing 2008: Michael Phelps wins eighth gold

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Phelps holding one of his Beijing medals
Image: Eric Draper.

American swimmer Michael Phelps, 23, has set a new record for the most gold medals won in one Olympic games by winning his eighth gold medal of the 2008 Olympic games, beating the previous world record of seven that was set by Mark Spitz in the 1972 Olympic Games, which took place in Munich, Germany.

Phelps' eighth medal was won in the final of the men's 4 x 100m medley relay. In addition to Phelps, Aaron Piersol, Brendan Hansen, and Jason Lezak were in the winning Olympic team, which had a time of 3:29.34, which was a new world record. In seven of his eight races, Phelps set or contributed to a new world record time. He set an Olympic record time in the remaining race.

"With so many people saying it couldn't be done, all it takes is an imagination," said Phelps after realizing he had set the new medals record. "There are so many emotions going through my head and so much excitement. I kind of just want to see my mom."

"Without the help of my team-mates this isn't possible," he continued. "I was able to be a part of three relays and we were able to put up a solid team effort and we came together as one unit. For the three Olympics I've been a part of, this is by far the closest men's team that we've ever had. I didn't know everybody coming into this Olympics, but I feel going out I know every single person very well. The team that we had is the difference."

Grant Hackett, an Australian swimmer, praised Phelps for achieving his goal. "Michael Phelps - you can't put it in words what he has done here, his level of achievement is phenomenal and I don't think it will ever be seen again."

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Sources

"Phelps wins historic eighth gold" — BBC Sport, August 17, 2008
"For Michael Phelps, eight is great" — The Kansas City Star, August 17, 2008
"Men's 4 x 100m Medley Relay Final" — Beijing 2008, August 17, 2008

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