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Phelps an Olympic Champion For The Ages

John Pierce - USOC August 16, 2008

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Photo: Al Bello/Getty Images

Brendan Hansen, Brendan Hansen, Michael Phelps, Aaron Piersol and Jason Lezak of the United States hold their gold medals in the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in

BEIJING- In perhaps the most anticipated event of these Olympic Games, Michael Phelps and his teammates in the Men's 4x100M Medley Relay (Jason Lezak, Brendan Hansen and Aaron Peirsol) overcame Australia and Japan to give Michael Phelps his historic 8th Gold Medal of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Backstroke specialist Aaron Piersol gave the U.S. team an early lead by swimming a 53.16 in the backstroke before handing off to Brendan Hansen who sent out and back in the breastroke in 59.27, leaving the U.S. in third after two legs.   Phelps swam the third leg of the relay, the butterfly and covered his 100m in 50.15, regaining the lead for the U.S. and spotting the anchor, Jason Lezak to a 0.25 second lead.   Lezak brought home the historic gold medal for Phelps and the U.S. team with a 46.76 in the freestyle to earn a world record of 3:26.34, breaking the mark set by the U.S. in the 2004 Olympic Games by 1.34 seconds.

U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth said in a statement, "an extraordinary chapter in Olympic history has been written here in Beijing by one of the greatest athletes of all time.  We could not be more proud of Michael, in the manner by which he competed, represented our country, and represented the Olympic Movement. The fact that his eighth medal was won in a team relay signifies Michael's commitment not only to his own quest, but to the importance of teamwork and representing his country." 

"It is fitting that at one of the most significant events of our generation, we have witnessed one of the greatest performances in Olympic history. Michael's record-breaking performance during these Games will inspire millions of people around the world to reach for their goals and aspire to greatness.  He is an example of the very best values of the Olympic Movement and our country," said USOC Chief Executive Officer, Jim Scherr, addressing the impact and importance of Michael Phelps' achievement. 

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  1. On August 16, 2008 Kris Felicetty wrote

    History is all Michael's. Congratulations Michael and TEAM USA !!!!!!!!!

  2. On August 16, 2008 K C wrote

    Congratulations to Michael and the other guys in the relay team on an amazing effort. One fact wrong in the article though, Sullivan of Australia actually swam a quicker freestyle leg than Lezak, so Lezak couldn't have 'widened the U.S. lead over Australia'.

  3. On August 17, 2008 rafael estrada wrote

    i didn't care much about swiming but michael made me change my mind. gracias por tan gran regalo para USA. FELICIDADES.

  4. On August 17, 2008 John Kreuzer wrote

    Michael Phelps will go down in history as the greatest swimmer of all time for his performance in 2008! http://kreuzer33.wordpress.com/2008/08/17/michael-phelps-breaks-mark-spitzs-record-wins-eighth-gold-medal/

  5. On August 17, 2008 Clive Tanti wrote

    Congratulations Michael Phelps. I am your number 1 fan From the the small island of Malta.

  6. On August 17, 2008 raj k wrote

    Dear Madam/Sir, Today August 17, 2008 is and will be a special day in our lives. By our I mean not only in the lives of Americans but also in the lives of people here in India or the matter of fact people all over this universe. The moment the sun dawned in New Delhi my entire family specially my dad were glued to the TV screen. The reason ......news of Michael Phelps (MP) quest for his 8th gold medal in Beijing olympics. We prayed and prayed that he wins the 8th gold medal. My dad specially has grown very fond of him and was cheering for him like MP was his own son. Never has Olympics affected us so much. MP is one of those greatest phenomenon who carries forward the very principle of Olympics ( i.e to inspire youth not only from his country but throughout the world). He is also an inspiration for those people whom the people around him may write off (like MP's teacher did), but with their perseverence ,belief in themselves and off course tons and tons and tons of hard work they can take the world by storm just like MP. What an athlete he is....an epitome of hardwork and dedication... He is one of the greatest son, friend, brother.... mankind has ever produced. He might be 6'4" tall and with huge frame but when he splashes water (with exitement) in the pool after a win he is the cutest little kid one has ever come across.... We saw his mom and sisters in tears after his win. Believe us we had the same tears of joy in our eyes.... We will always miss MP in action until who knows the next olympics may be..... God bless MP. God bless his family. God bless our planet earth which produces such heroes like MP..... Credit for his win also goes to his teammates..... Regards! Raj and friends New Delhi INDIA

  7. On August 18, 2008 Tian qihang wrote

    conguatulations ,he is a history ,he is an hero of human . in beijing ,in the water comic ,he is the king. hooray......

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