Categories: News

Michael Phelps Celebrates Historic Win

It only took until Day 4 of the 2012 London Olympics for superstar swimmer and recently named greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, 27, to beat Larissa Latynina's, 77, record of 18 medals, set in 1964.

Though there were rumors buzzing that Phelps was bringing something less than his A-game to what he has strongly indicated would be his last Olympics — after all, he'd won a mere two silver medals in London games before the record-breaker — Phelps and his relay team, consisting of strong swimmer and friendly rival Ryan Lochte, as well as teammates Connor Dwyer and Ricky Berens, brought home the gold for the U.S. in the event, earning Phelps his 19th medal, 15 of which are gold, and launching him into historical status.

After Phelps' win, President Barack Obama tweeted his support not long after the medal came and Phelps, with the U.S. team, stood at the pinnacle of the podium. "Congrats to Michael Phelps for breaking the all-time medal record," Obama tweeted. "You've made your country proud."

Phelps responded as soon as the time delay would permit. "Thank you Mr. President!!" he tweeted back. "It's an honor representing the #USA!! The best country in the world!!"

Since Phelps has two to three events remaining, depending on how qualifying events turn out, he still has a chance to not only break the record, but thoroughly shatter it.

Read more about Phelps and the 2012 London Olympics here:

Michael Phelps Breaks Record For Most Olympic Medals Of All Time

The Phelps Family Reflects On Michael Phelps' Olympic Career

Is Micahel Phelps' Rival, Ryan Lochte, Finding Love On The Water?

Michael Phelps To Retire After London Games

SLIDESHOW: Michael Phelps

SLIDESHOW: Nastia Liukin

Double Amputee 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius Blazing A Trail For South Africa

Ryan Lochte Beats Michael Phelps At World Championships

Michael Phelps Makes A Splash In Vegas

Jeneba Tarmoh Drops Out Of Runoff Against Allyson Felix

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympics Swimmer Brendan Hansen Lost His Olympic Gold Medal