Phelps gets gold without getting wet

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.

Phelps did not swim in the final after giving up his spot to Ian Crocker but still gets a medal because he swum in the heats.

This time it was the American quartet of Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen, Ian Crocker and Jason Lezak celebrating.

Afforded the luxury of allowing the sensation of the Games, Michael Phelps, to hand his place to Crocker – the man he beat to the 100m butterfly title – they were always in command and took almost a second off their own record with a time of 3:30.68.

Germany took silver and Japan the bronze.

Phelps now has eight medals from this week, including six golds.