Phelps breaks record for Olympic medals

Michael Phelps tonight became the most decorated athlete in Olympic history when his gold in the 4x200 metres freestyle relay took him to 19.

The 27-year-old had equalled Larisa Latynina’s record earlier this evening with silver in the 200m butterfly.

However, the United States swimmer moved him beyond the Russian whose record had stood since 1964 to stand alone at the pinnacle with three more events to come.