Phelps equals Spitz Olympic gold record

American swimmer Michael Phelps has equalled the greatest Olympic achievement of all time by winning his seventh gold medal at a single Games. The 23-year old matched Mark Spitz's 1972 gold haul after a dramatic comeback in the 100 metres butterfly event. Fans from across the world have put their national allegiances to one side to applaud Phelps' phenomenal effort. "I think it's absolutely fantastic to have someone so amazing and to have a role model for swimming. He's just a star and he's made the sport popular and people watch it because of him so it brings alot of good things to swimming, definitely," said one British swimming fan. "I think he's very fast he's the best swimmer of all time and we are proud for him," said a Spanish man outside Beijing's Water Cube arena. Phelps already has a record 13 Olympic gold medals to his name and can make history tomorrow if his 4x100 metre medley relay teammates help him become the first man to win eight gold medals in one Olympic Games.

EuroNews | August 16, 2008

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