LONDON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Michael Phelps drew the curtain on his magnificent career this Saturday by claiming his 18th Olympic gold medal - the 22nd medal of his Olympic career.

He did so fittingly as part of the US 4X100 medley relay team which won the final indoor race of these Olympic Games.

Phelps followed Michael Grevers and Brandon Hansen into the water, swimming the butterfly leg, while 100 meters freestyle winner, Nathan Adrian had the job of swimming the US home and assuring Phelps' story ended on a the highest of notes.

Grevers swam the US into a lead, ahead of Japan, but Kosuke Kitajim pressured well in the second leg and Phelps dived into the water in second place going head to head with Katsumi Matsuda and overhauling him before the final change.

Once in the water Adrian knew he had to assure Phelps'story had the ending it deserved and he powered home to victory.

Japan won silver, while Australia had to settle for bronze, a result which just about sums up their performance in the pool over the past week.

However, Saturday's final was not about anything or anyone else than Phelps, who will leave London with 4 gold medals. It is only half the total he won in Beijing 4 years ago, but more than enough to be able to call him the greatest Olympic swimmer and perhaps the greatest Olympian, of all time. Enditem

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)