American Michael Phelps retired from competitive swimming after securing an Olympic gold medal in men`s 4×100-meter medley relay in August 2012. With that medal, he became the most prolific Olympian ever to have graced the event with 22 medals – 18 gold, two silver and two bronze – in his kitty. The champion swimmer, who created a storm by winning gold medals in all the eight events he participated during the Beijing Games in 2004, couldn’t repeat the feat but nevertheless returned home with memories that he will cherish forever. Phelps took part in seven events and his first event was a disappointment as he failed to finish in the top three, thereby returning without a medal with his fierce rival and countryman Ryan Lochte winning the gold. In the second race (4X100 freestyle relay), despite his second leg performance that gave US a strong lead, they ended up winning the silver. However, for Phelps this was a positive result considering it was his first medal of the game. In the 200m butterfly event, Phelps equalled the record for the most Olympic medals by winning silver but his disappointment for blowing up the race in the end. He was out touched by Chad le Clos of South Africa for gold. Phelps finally got to bite the gold when the US won the 4X200m freestyle event that also meant he had broken the record for most Olympic medals with his 19th overall. He also won individual gold in 200m medley and 100m butterfly. After his final race, the international swimming federation honoured him with an award for becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time