also holds seven world records in swimming. Phelps holds the record for the most gold medals won at a single Olympics with the eight golds he won at the 2008 Olympic Games. With this record, he surpassed Mark Spitz, who was also a swimmer and had held the previous gold medal total with the seven that he won at the 1972 Olympic Games. He is simply incredible! ... water sport michael phelps gold medalist achiever american swimmer best olympian 17 beijing china 2008 olympic world record ...