Olympic Swimming - Michael Phelps Wins Eighth Gold!

Michael Phelps has made history by winning his 8th gold in the 4 x 100 individually medley relay. Phelps swam the butterfly leg for the U.S. team and they set another world record time at 3:28.24. Congratulations, Michael Phelps, if there was any doubt, you are the story of the Beijing Olympics.

It was a close race up as the Americans did not get the lead in the backstroke or the breaststroke. It was only until Phelps hit the water for the butterfly that he got the lead for the Jason Lezak to take it home for the freestyle holding off the Australians. Japan came in third.

So that ends the story for Michael Phelps swimming in Beijing, and what a story it was!

Olympic Swimming - Michael Phelps Wins Seventh Gold!

The 100 m butterfly could have been a speed bump in Michael Phelps quest for his 7th gold medal since he wasn't the world record holder. If it can be said, it's one of his weakest events. But what do you know, Michael Phelps did his personal best and won it at 50:58. He won by 1/100 of a second. It wasn't a world record but it was an Olympic record and he tied the great Mark Spitz for seven gold medals in an Olympic Games. All that's left is the relay and Olympic imortality.

Olympic Swimming - Michael Phelps Wins Sixth Gold!

Another gold medal goes to Michael Phelps in the 200 IM. He took command from the start with his butterfly and it was never in doubt. The only question was whether or not he would break the world record and once again, he didn't disappoint with a clocking of 1:53.23. He's AMAZING. He has 6 GOLD medals. Cripes, just one individual has won more medals than Canada. We haven't even gotten off the schneid yet. Think about that. This guy produces more medals alone than countries! Of course, I read that Michael Phelp's body is freakishly weird. His arm span is actually greater than his height. He wears size 14 feet and his body is actually longer in the torso than his legs. All this helps with his swimming I guess. Also add to the fact that his chest is double jointed?! I never even knew such a thing exists. But again, that contributes to his swimming ability. Now if you think about it, a guy that is that misproportioned would be mocked in normal life (not that you can really tell) but just saying... But Michael Phelps actually found a sport in which he could excel and was in the right country with the right program. He has just been blessed.

Olympic Swimming - Michael Phelps Wins Fifth Gold!

Just another quick update. Michael Phelps and company won the 4 x 200 m freestyle relay in another world record time of 6:58.56. He's bearing down on the Mark Spitz record... At this point, I don't know whether to root for him or against him. It seems almost too easy for him. But like it or not, he's the story of these Olympic Games.

Olympic Swimming - Michael Phelps Wins Fourth Gold!

Okay, Michael Phelps is half way there. Tonight he won his fourth gold medal in the 200 m butterfly in another world record time of 1:52.03. He clearly is in a class by himself. He isn't taking it easy either but he's leaving his mark by smashing all records in his way. I'm looking for some more excitement like the previous 4 x 100 m relay showdown with the French. If not, this can get sort of old. Ho hum, another day, another medal. Bring on the next challenger!

Olympic Swimming - Michael Phelps Wins Third Gold!

Well, it really wasn't a contest in the 200 m free style. He won it in world record pace of 1:42.96. The amazing thing is that he won it with more than a body and a half length. Was there any doubt? He just destroyed everyone. Next challenge!

Olympic Swimming - Michael Phelps Wins Second Gold!

The drive for eight gold medals is still alive for Michael Phelps thanks to some help from his friends in the 400 m free style relay. It's hard to believe that the Americans are the underdog to the French but after a grave mistake by the French anchor to swim at the lane marker and let American anchor Jason Lezak to come from behind and that was the difference between gold and silver. And to boot, the Americans got the World Record 3:08:32.

If his team mates can come through for him in the two remaining relay races, then Michael Phelps schedule looks good for his quest for eight golds.