Phelps on cloud nine as he joins gold greats

US SWIMMER Michael Phelps joined an elite list of Olympic greats by becoming only the fifth competitor in history to win nine gold medals.

Phelps added his name to the prestigious group of Paavo Nurmi, Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz and Larysa Latynina when he won the men’s 200 metres freestyle with a world record swim for his third gold in Beijing.

He appears destined to become the greatest Olympian as he continues his quest for an unequalled eight gold medals in one Games here and said the toughest three races were behind him.