• London 2012 - Swimming

Record-breaking Phelps hails 'amazing ride'

ESPN staff
August 1, 2012
Michael Phelps enjoys his record-breaking moment © PA Photos
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Michael Phelps described his record-breaking 19-medal haul as "an amazing ride" after anchoring the US men's team to victory in the 4x200m freestyle relay final at the London Olympics.

Phelps cruised past the mark set by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina in the 1950s and 60s on Tuesday evening with silver in the 200m butterfly and gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

After becoming the most decorated Olympian of all-time with 15 gold, two silver and two bronze medals, Phelps thanked his USA team-mates for their support in helping him set yet another record during his glittering career.

"I've put my mind to doing something that nobody had ever done before," Phelps said. "This has been an amazing ride.

"I thanked those guys for helping me get to this moment. I told those guys I wanted a big lead. I was like, 'You better give me a big lead going into the last lap,' and they gave it to me.

"I just wanted to hold on. I thanked them for being able to allow me to have this moment."

Phelps, who has three more events at London 2012, will retire after the Games with at least six more gold medals than any other Olympian in history. But the 27-year-old warned his competitors he has not finished adding to his medal tally just yet.

"It has been a pretty amazing career," Phelps said, "but we still have a couple races to go."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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