Photos: On this Day, August 17, 2008 — Michael Phelps wins 8 gold medals at the Beijing Olympics
August 16, 2013
United States Michael Phelps swims to the gold in the men's 4x100-meter medley relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Michael Phelps )
This combination of photos shows United States' Michael Phelps holding each of his eight gold medals after (top, left to right) the 400m individual medley, 4 x 100m freestyle relay, 200m freestyle, 200m butterfly, (bottom, left to right) 4 x 200m freestyle relay, 200m individual medley, 100m butterfly and the 4x100-meter medley relay at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Phelps retires with twice as many golds as any other Olympian, and his total of 22 medals is easily the best mark. (AP Photo, File) ( Phelps Photo Gallery )
From left: Brendan Hansen, Aaron Peirsol and Michael Phelps of the United States celebrate after winning the gold medal in the men's 4x100-meter medley relay final at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) ( APTOPIX Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
United States' Michael Phelps swims to the gold in the men's 4x100-meter medley relay final at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
Michael Phelps of the US, right, reaches out to touch the wall ahead of Australia's Andrew Lauterstein during his butterfly leg of the men's medley relay at the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Michael Phelps )
From right: Aaron Peirsol, Jason Lezak, Brendan Hansen and Michael Phelps of the United States during the medal ceremony for men's 4x100-meter medley relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
United States' Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen, Michael Phelps and Jason Lezak, from left, celebrate winning the gold after the men's 4x100-meter medley relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
Michael Phelps of the United States goes to hug his mother Debbie, left, and other unidentified relatives after the medal ceremony for men's 4x100-meter medley relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
United States' Michael Phelps swims to win the gold medal in the men's 200-meter individual medley final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Medleys )
Michael Phelps of the United States on his way to winning the gold medal in the men's 200-meter individual medley during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) ( Michael Phelps )
Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Medleys United States' Michael Phelps swims to the gold medal in the men's 200-meter individual medley final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. In background is United States' Ryan Lochte, bronze. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming )
Michael Phelps of the United States on his way to winning the gold medal in the men's 200-meter individual medley during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Medleys )
United States' Michael Phelps, right, with teammate Ryan Lochte after Phelps won the men's 200-meter individual medley final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Medleys )
United States Michael Phelps celebrates his gold medal in the men's 200m individual medley final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) ( Michael Phelps )
Gold medalist United States' Michael Phelps, center, reacts during the presentation ceremony for the men's 100-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. At left is Serbia's Milorad Cavic, who took silver and and at right is bronze medalist Andrew Lauterstein from Australia. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) ( Michael Phelps )
United States' Michael Phelps, left, leads in front of Serbia's Milorad Cavic during the the 100-meter butterfly final at swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. Phelps won the gold. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming )
In this Aug. 16, 2008 file photo, United States' Michael Phelps, right, and Serbia's Milorad Cavic face each other before the start of the final of the men's 100-meter butterfly during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing. (AP Photo/Mark Baker/FILE) ( YE Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 100M Butterfly )
United States' Michael Phelps celebrates winning the gold in the men's 100-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 100M Butterfly )
United States' Michael Phelps reacts after winning the gold medal in the men's 100-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 100M Butterfly )
United States' Michael Phelps with his the gold medal during the presentation ceremony for the men's 100-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 100M Butterfly )
United States' Michael Phelps climbs the starting block for the men's 200-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. Phelps won gold and set a new world record. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200M Butterfly )
United States' Michael Phelps swims to set a new world record as he wins the gold in the men's 200-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200M Butterfly )
Gold medalist Michael Phelps of the United States waves with his medal during the awarding ceremony of the men's 200-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. Phelps set a world record in the event. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200M Butterfly )
United States' Michael Phelps throws his goggles after setting a new world record and winning the gold in the men's 200-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200M Butterfly )
United States' Michael Phelps starts to the men's 200-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. Phelps won gold and set a new world record. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200M Butterfly )
Michael Phelps of the United States smiles after setting a world record to win the the men's 200-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200M Butterfly )
United States' Michael Phelps celebrates setting a new world record when he wins the gold medal in the men's 200-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200M Freestyle )
United States' gold medal winner Michael Phelps, center, is flanked by South Korea's silver medalist Park Tae-hwan, left, and United States' bronze medal winner Peter Vanderkaay at the medal ceremony of the men's 200-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200M Freestyle )
United States Michael Phelps is seen before the start of the men's 200-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200 Freestyle )
Michael Phelps of the United States swims on his way to winning the gold medal in the men's 200-meter freestyle with a world record during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008. (AP Photo/Greg Baker) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200 Freestyle )
United States Michael Phelps is seen in action during the men's 200-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008. Phelps won gold. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200 Freestyle )
United States Michael Phelps is seen at the start of the men's 200-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008. Phelps won gold. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens 200 Freestyle )
United States' Michael Phelps swims on his way to win the goal medal in the men's 400-meter individual medley final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Medleys )
United States' Michael Phelps swims on his way to winning the gold medal in the men's 400-meter individual medley final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008. Front is Hungary's Laszlo Cseh. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Medleys )
United States' Michael Phelps, gold, his compatriot Ryan Loche, silver, and Hungary's Laszlo Cseh, bronze, from right, show their medals after the men's 400-meter individual medley final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Medleys )
United States' Michael Phelps swims to setting a new world record and winning the gold in the final of the men's 400-meter individual medley during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Medleys )
Michael Phelps of the United States checks the time after finishing the men's 400-meter individual medley during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008. Phelps won the gold medal by setting the world record. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Medleys )
United States' Michael Phelps celebrates winning the gold medal and setting a new world record in the men's 400-meter individual medley final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Medleys )
United States' Michael Phelps swims in the final of the men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay as his team wins the gold during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
United States Michael Phelps (L) and Garret Weber-Gale cheer home Jason Lezak in the last leg of the men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
Members of the U.S. relay team jubilate after setting a world record to win the men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. They are from left: Garrett Weber-Gale, Jason Lezak, Michael Phelps and Cullen Jones. (AP Photo/Greg Baker) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
Members of the U.S. relay team show their medals during an awarding ceremony after setting a world record to win the men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay final in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. They are from left: Cullen Jones, Jason Lezak, Michael Phelps and Garrett Weber-Gale. (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
Members of the U.S. relay team wave with gold medals during an awarding ceremony after setting a world record in the men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay final at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. They are from left: Michael Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones and Jason Lezak. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
US swimmer Michael Phelps starts to his leg of the men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
U.S. men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay team members, from left, Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Ricky Berens and Peter Vanderkaay wave with their medals during an awarding ceremony after setting a world record to win the swimming competition in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
U.S. men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay team first swimmer Michael Phelps celebrates with his mother, Debbie, following an awarding ceremony in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. The U.S. team won the event with a world record. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
The US team, from left, Ricky Berens, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps celebrate winning the gold medal as they set a new world record in the men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
The US team, Peter Vanderkaay, bottom, and, top from left, Ricky Berens, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps celebrate winning the gold medal as they set a new world record in the men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
United States' Michael Phelps swims to the gold medal in the men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
U.S. men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay team top swimmer Michael Phelps swims in the swimming competition in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. The U.S. team won the gold medal with a world record. (AP Photo/Greg Baker) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
United States' Michael Phelps changes to Ryan Lochte after the first leg of the men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay final during the swimming competitions in the National Aquatics Center at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle) ( Beijing Olympics Swimming Mens Relays )
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