Michael Phelps, Gold Medal | featured news

In a final race that was more a coronation than a contest, Phelps headed into retirement the only way imaginable - with an 18th gold medal. Reclaiming the lead with his trademark butterfly stroke, the one seen in his Olympic debut as a 15-year-old in Sydney a dozen years ago, he capped off a mind-boggling career with a victory in the 4x100-meter medley relay Saturday.

Michael Phelps spent the day thinking about all the things he's doing for the final time at the pool. It turns out that included one last win over Ryan Lochte.Phelps finally got a gold all his own at his final Olympics.

Michael Phelps, looking like the dominating uber-Phelps of four years ago, won the 200-meter individual medley Thursday at the London Olympics.

For those who thought Michael Phelps was just stopping by for a Roman holiday, no way.