Michael Phelps does it -- Olympic gold No. 8

BEIJING -- Bob Beamon won a gold medal 40 years ago with a long jump that still stands as an Olympic record. It was such an amazing jump that feats considered comparable for years to become were called Beamonesque.

Will spectacular achievements now be known as Phelpsian? The remarkable Michael Phelps won his eighth gold medal Sunday, breaking Mark Spitz's single Games record of seven gold medals that stood almost as long as Beamon's, 36 years.

Phelps, 23, of Baltimore, won the record-breaker in a relay, the 400-meter medley. Unlike the 400 freestyle relay last Monday, in which his record quest was kept alive by Jason Lezak's phenomenal come-from-behind anchor leg, Phelps had to rely to a great extent on himself in this one.

The United States was in third place when he dived into the water on the third leg, the butterfly. He swam it in 50.15, more than seventh-tenths ahead of Japan's Takuro Fujii, who had hit the water first, and almost a full second ahead of Australia's Andrew Lauterstien, who had dived in just ahead of Phelps.

He handed over a relatively comfortable lead to Jason Lezak, whose heroics weren't necessary this time to bring the United States home in a world-record time of 3:29.34. Australia finished second in 3:30.04. Japan was third in 3:31.18.

In eight finals, Phelps either produced or helped produce seven world records.

"It's been such an unbelievable roller coaster," Phelps said. "It's been such an unbelievable ride. With so many people saying it couldn't be done, all it took was a little imagination.

"I don't know what to feel right now. It's so emotional. All I want to do is go see my mom."

For his career, Phelps now has 14 gold medals, five more than anyone else in history, and 16 medals, second only to Soviet gymnast Laryssa Latynina's 18.

London calling?

-- Randy Harvey

Photo: Brendan Hansen, left, Aaron Peirsol and Michael Phelps react as Jason Lezak brings home the gold in world-record time during the men's 4x100-meter medley relay swimming final. Credit: Carl De Souza / AFP/Getty Images

Comments

[Dan from Palm Springs]

My jaw is open with disbelief.....and getting more and more sore...... It is now hour number TWO of NBC's coverage of the Olympics......or should I say: 2 hours watching every step of the women's marathon. (Love watching the marathon....but sprinkle some more relevant and timely events, who can't you???). I keep thinking something else is going to pop up on the TV screen.......And finally, I heard the announcement: "at 10 pm Eastern time" we'll be getting to see some of the swimming......BUT, WAIT......it's already midnight on the East Coast and not a sign of the swimming..... Thanks to http://en.beijing2008.cn/ I was able to find out about our great swimmers and their results - before falling asleep tonight....... I know I've read a lot of complaints about NBC - but tonight.....for me....takes the cake. Maybe they are short of cameras???? Even with sponsors and money and so forth....this makes NO SENSE.....anyone able to help me to understand????

[Brazilian man]

hi I would like to speak alog: you have no shame changing the criteria for classification to pretend that are in the first part of medals?? Compare the arrogance of you \ "NORTH AMERICAN \" or \ "ESTADOSUNIDENCES \" therefore have no right to use a name derived from OUR continent (AMERICA), but even the coldness of the Russians! Football is ball on the feet, soccer is the sport ridiculo invented long after you and that is ridiculous!

[jenni]

Wow, thanks for the spoiler LATimes. Wish I could have watched it before I read about it. Couldn't avoid it because it was the leading story. Thanks.

[Century City Chris]

NBC To The West Coast-Drop Dead!

[geomom]

To the brains at NBC from a resident of California--
Gee, it would have been really nice to be able to watch one swimming event live with my children! I can't even enjoy the women's marathon right now because I am so p***ed off!! WHAT are you people THINKING?! Oh, that's right, you AREN'T thinking! It's not controversial, it's insulting!
I have a GREAT idea that you should consider...how about a tape delayed SUPER BOWL?! Really! I SWEAR you will get more eyeballs for the advertizers if you do that. Ka-ching!!

[peri]

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
ALL YOUR HARD WORK PAID OFF.

[traveasy]

soccer is ridiculous in compared to the real football. that of the NFL.

[geomom]

I am a mother of two elementary age children who is unfortunately a resident of the bad coast where everything is tape-delayed except beach volleyball (OK, even that's tape-delayed too!). I honestly could not enjoy watching the (already completed, tape-delay coverage of) the women's marathon race this evening when I *KNEW* that Dara and Michael and Team USA swimming events were HAPPENING. NOW. and being broadcast LIVE a few time zones away (not to mention in Canada)!! And not only that, if NBC had had the wherewithal to show swimming events LIVE on the West coast, my kids would have been able to watch them tonight (they will see it tomorrow thanks to Comcast On Demand Highlights.)
If showing major sports events on tape delay is such a ratings winner, what's next? The World Series? The Super Bowl? NBA Playoffs? NBC's attitude is insulting to all sports fans on the west coast.

[tani]

I am so sick of Phelps being lauded, praised, and dominating television time with his "wins". How many atheletes in the world has his luxury of eating three egg sandwiches, chocalate pancakes, etc etc. just for breakfast; and how many boys can be allowed to not work, go to school, just swim and practice? His physique is biological, and so is his talents(?). Even though he has big money from sponsors, does that mean he should be treated like an idol? NBC also spent an inordinate length of time on volley balls, Just because America has a winning team. We like to watch other competitions also. Like the Jamaican athelete that won the 100 and broke all records doing it. (9min 69 sec), NBC did not even broadcast that race, just because a favored American runner did not get a medal. I know they spent 900 Million to be exclusive and feels they can broadcast whatever they want. However the Olympics is an international event, and should be presented as such, not a cheering squad for American combatants.

[larry]

The Olympians pour all their passion into a medal that will fade away. Years from now, few who win will be remembered. Others will take their place. When they die, they can't take any medal with them. Therefore the apostle Paul challenged us to pour all our passion into a reward that will never fade away—living for Christ and his kingdom.
Amen.