Did Phelps Win The Coveted 8th Medal?

Michael Phelps has become a household name all over the nation, attempting to do the impossible. Surviving 17 swims throughout the course of 9 days, Phelps has done the seemingly impossible. Phelps, alongside Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hensen, and Jason Lezak, won the 4 x 100 meter medley relay. Phelps Swam the butterfly leg of the relay, giving the United States a formidable lead, in which Lezak was able to hold onto. The United States has never lost the 4 x 100 meter medley relay in the history of the olympics since the United States started competing in the venue. Australia came in second, followed by China.

Mark Spitz's record has been the gold standard for 36 years, winning a total of 7 gold medals in one games. Phelps has finally beat that record, gaining an astounding 8 gold medals. When asked what he will remember about these games, he replied, "the whole thing." Phelps has swam into the history books, with a standard that will possibly be alive for years and years to come. Phelps has already become the most decorated athlete, with 14 gold medals. There's no telling when the next Phelps will gain the admiration of the world. Even at his young age, Phelps will probably have at least another games in his career. He could easily retire with 20+ golds. He's already won his way into the hearts of Americans all over the world. On the medal stands, Phelps did one more thing that he'd never done before. He broke down and cried. He's finally done the seemingly impossible, and he's beaten the odds. He's overcome the obstacles presented to him by the individual swimmers who all wanted to say that they beat the great Michael Phelps. He's presented some dramatic races, and changed the sport of swimming. Phelps has become the face of the American's in these games. He's surpassed all the other athletes in any way possible. When other countries think of America in these games, they'll no longer first think about Kobe Bryant, or Lebron James, or Shawn Johnson. They'll be thinking of the greatest athlete to set foot on the face of this Earth. They'll be thinking of Michael Phelps.

Possibly the most important quote of these games is,"When someone says you can’t do something, it shows that anything is possible. When you put your mind to a certain thing, it can happen. The biggest thing is nothing is impossible. All it takes is an imagination."