Golden boy Phelps makes history securing 19th medal

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

Earlier in the evening the 27-year-old equalled Larisa Latynina’s record with silver in the 200m butterfly where he was narrowly beaten by South Africa’s Chad le Clos in a dramatic finish. However, the US swimmer then surpassed the Russian, whose record had stood since 1964 to stand alone at the pinnacle — with three more events to come.

His medal count now stands at 15 gold, two silver, two bronze.