Phelps equals record for most Olympic gold medals

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

The 23-year-old, who won six gold medals in Athens, set a world record in the men’s 200 metres freestyle with a time of one minute 42.96 seconds to win his ninth Olympic title, equalling the record jointly held by Mark Spitz, athletes Carl Lewis and Paavo Nurmi as well as gymnast Larissa Latynina.