Phelps in a league of his own

August 17 2008 will forever go down in the history books when American swimmer Michael Phelps rose to Olympic immortality.  Coming from behind in the third leg of the 4x100 individual medley, Michael Phelps proved once again to be too much for the competition helping the US to yet another relay gold, a gold that broke the record some called unreachable, 8 gold medals in one Olympics Michael Phelps has become the new king of the pool. 

Setting yet another world record Michael Phelps has now eclipsed the record of 7 gold medals held for so long by Mark Spitz.  It also put him second in all-time medals with 16.  With all the pressure of his back and Phelps already going down in the record books the next step will be becoming the top medalist all-time.  At age 23 Phelps has already indicated he would like to compete in London for the 2012 games, should he make it there (as if it's even a question) he will need to win 3 medals to beat the record of 18 all-time medals by former Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina. 

After the race Phelps was very humble and at a loss for words after what he'd just accomplished, ''I don't even know what to feel right now,'' Phelps said. ''There's so much emotion going through my head and so much excitement. I kind of just want to see my mom.''  His final race of the Olympics was fittingly won with Phelps once again trailing the race in the third leg in 3rd place but pouring it on to give the anchor of the US team Lezak the lead going into the last leg, a lead he would not relinquish,''I was thinking not to blow the lead,'' Lezak said. ''I was really nervous. 

  Michael Phelps will be by far the greatest story of these olympics and the debate will now begin weather or not he is the greatest olympian ever.  But to see him dominate this sport with such ease is an inspiration to all those who strive to be Olympians, ''Nothing is impossible,'' Phelps said. ''With so many people saying it couldn't be done, all it takes is an imagination, and that's something I learned and something that helped me."A man who was told by teachers that he would never accomplish anything, has accomplished a nearly impossible task that the world will remember forever.