Rio Olympics 2016: Michael Phelps wins 20th and 21st gold medals after double success in 200m butterfly and 4x200m relay
MICHAEL PHELPS has now won 21 Olympic gold medals.
I’ll read that again - Michael Phelps has now won 21 Olympic gold medals.
Phelps stormed to victory in the 200m butterfly in swimming’s biggest grudge match, beating the man who took this title from him at London 2012 and ended his decade-long unbeaten run in the event, South Africa’s Chad Le Clos.
The pair had traded barbs and insults ever since, but they exchanged a quick hug after Phelps had come out on top in the most eagerly awaited race of the Games.
Phelps led from the start and looked vulnerable only in the final stages.
In the end, the American won by just 0.04 of a second from surprise silver medallist Masato Sakai of Japan.
Fastest qualifier Tamas Kenderesi took bronze for Hungary, and Le Clos could only finish fourth.
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Before their semi-final, Phelps sent social media into meltdown after he was caught by cameras eyeballing South African rival Le Clos.
Chad, who had been sitting next to the American, stood in front of him and began shadow boxing, which appeared to disturb his rival’s mental preparation.
Michael, who is the most decorated Olympian of all time, was not impressed, and social media erupted with hilarious memes mocking the athlete.
After the result of the 200m butterfly, some were quick to post an 'updated' photo...
Phelps was back later in the evening as he guided the American team to glory in the 4x200m freestyle relay ahead of Great Britain.
The 31-year-old swam the anchor leg and held off a strong charge from Britain's James Guy after Conor Dwyer, Francis Haas and Ryan Lochte had moved the US team clear of the competition.
Phelps took his unbelievable tally to 21 medals overall, adding in his two silvers and two bronzes.
