Michael Phelps’ quest for swimming immortality became a reality on Sunday morning as the United States’ 4x100m medley relay team handed him his historic eighth gold medal of the Beijing Games.

Australian world record holder Eamon Sullivan qualified quickest for the semi-finals of the 100 metres freestyle as all the major names progressed safely through to the last 16.

Michael Phelps’ bid for a record eight golds at the Beijing Games was kept alive in dramatic fashion in the 4x100m freestyle relay as the United States snatched gold from France with a new world record.

THREE golds, five medals in all, and a world record. Grant Hackett of Australia was the star of the World Swimming Championships, emerging from the shadow of absent countryman Ian Thorpe.

Michael Phelps created a bit of history tonight without even getting into the pool as the United States set a world record to win the men's 4x100m relay in Athens this evening.