Michael Phelps’ eighth medal

Michael Phelps won gold in the 100m butterfly on Friday to take his Olympic medal tally to five gold and two bronze.

A medal of any colour now will him equal the record for most medals at a single Games in any sport, set by Soviet gymnast Aleksander Dityatin in 1980.

He has already matched the record of seven swimming medals at one Games achieved by Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi - although he couldn't emulate Spitz's 1972 feat of making them all gold, publishes Times of India.

In accordance with News24, Phelps earned his record-equalling eighth medal of the games without even having to get wet as his team-mates in the US 4x100 relay squad brought the curtain down on the swimming competition with a world record-breaking victory. "It's such a special way to end the meet," Aaron Peirsol, who set a world record of 53.45 for the 100-meter backstroke while swimming the opening leg for the U.S., told reporters. "It's a dream come true for me and for the team." After edging world record-holder Crocker in the 100-meter butterfly final last night, Phelps gave his butterfly spot in the relay to his 21-year-old teammate so Crocker would have a chance to win his first gold medal.

Phelps stood during the race and waved an American flag. When freestyler Jason Lezak touched the wall at the end of the race, Phelps thrust his arms in the air and then signaled No. 1 with his right hand, informs Bloomberg.

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