American Michael Phelps equalled the record for the most Olympic gold medals in history by claiming his third at the 2008 Games on Tuesday.

Aaron Peirsol and Natalie Coughlin each set world records in the men’s and women’s 100metres backstroke at the United States Olympic trials in Omaha.

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 led an American gold rush at the World Swimming Championships with victory in the men’s 200 metres freestyle.

IAN THORPE underlined his status as the world’s greatest swimmer when he defended his men’s 200m freestyle title at the world swimming championships in Barcelona yesterday.