Michael Phelps' Olympic legend grew even greater as he defeated Ryan Lochte to win the gold medal in the men's 200 meter medley on Thursday.

Phelps' has now won an incredible total of 20 Olympic medals, of which 16 are gold medals. His win also made him the first man to win the same title in three consecutive Olympics.

It was the perfect race as he begins counting off the remaining races of his career, which will end on Sunday.

"It's a relief to win an individual gold, it is special. I fell short in the first couple of event so to be able to do something no man has done is a cool feeling," said Phelps afterwards.

"It was hard, but it is really nice to be able to add to my CV. It hurt and I over-swam the first 100 meters, but I am not going to complain about it," he added.

"There was no difference in how I prepared..it may have helped that Ryan had the 200 backstroke 20 minutes beforehand. He can swim faster than I swam tonight. I was lucky enough to get the medal," said Phelps.

It had been billed as one of the showdowns of the London Olympic Games as Phelps faced Lochte.

Lochte had already got the better of Phelps in the 400 meter final, taking gold, while Phelps finished in fourth place, a result which led some to wonder, whether the 27-year-old, who is in his last major competition, was finished.

"I said afterwards that it was our last 200 together, we have had a lot of great races since 2004. Ryan has improved a lot in last 4 years and it will be fun to see what he does over the next 4 years. We have had a fun career and we do push each other. He has brought the best out of me many times," said Phelps.

"We have raced each other so many times, it is nice to end your 200 meters career with a gold medal."

"Over the last couple of days, it hasn't gone through my head. (that he is retiring). It will kick in more ahead of the relay. Friday will be my last individual final so we are ticking them off," continued the swimmer, who admitted he will probably not realize the enormity of what he has done until he has finally retired.

"When it is all over it will hit me emotionally. It's emotional for my family in the stands. It has been a long career and its time to hang up my suit."

Phelps led from the start in the race, as Lochte, perhaps tired from his exertions in the 200 meters backstroke was unable to keep pace.

"Michael Phelps is going to go down as one of the greatest swimmers ever. He has made history and I have been part of my team, I will cherish having been able to swim with him," commented a generous Lochte who leaves London with five medals, two of them gold.

"He is the toughest racer I have ever had to deal with and it has been fantastic for the sport, I am going to miss racing against him," added Loche, who said he would continue swimming in an attempt to compete in 2016, even though he will never again meet Phelps.

"I didn't realize that until the question was brought up, I have always been swimming against him, he is always there with me, it will be weird not having him there," said Lochte.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)