PHOTOSMichael Phelps Claims Last Gold Medal, Ends Career as Most Decorated Olympian in History
Jan. 28 2015, Updated 2:15 p.m. ET
It was a victorious end to an inspiring career: on Saturday, August 4, Michael Phelps won gold as a member of the 4x100 meter medley relay; it was his 22nd medal, his 18th gold and, of course, the last.
OK! NEWS: MICHAEL PHELPS BEATS RYAN LOCHTE IN 200 METER IM AT LONDON OLYMPICS
"I've been able to do things no one else has ever done," Michael said. "And that's what I've always wanted to do."
After the race, Michael's competitors lined up in order to shake his hand. "That's the best part of the Olympics," Michael said later. "You have people from all over the world who come together to compete in the best sporting event ever."
And most of them, and those watching, would say that Michael Phelps is the best competitor to come out of that sporting event; now officially the most-decorated Olympian of all time, you can't really argue that point.
OK! GALLERY: RYAN LOCHTE, MICHAEL PHELPS AND MORE ATHLETES TO WATCH AT LONDON GAMES
One point some are content on arguing though, is whether Michael is really done with swimming. Some are sure (or perhaps just hoping) that Michael's competitive nature will get the best of him and he will return to the pool at the 2016 Olympics.
But Michael, 27, has always said he wants to stop swimming before he turns 30."I'm ready to be done," he said. "I'm very satisfied, very happy with it. I'm a lot more relaxed now than I thought I would be at this time."
1. Michael Phelps August 4
Michael Phelps wins his last race at London Olympics, becomes most-decorated Olympian in history.
2. Michael Phelps August 4
Michael Phelps wins his last race at London Olympics, becomes most-decorated Olympian in history.
3. Michael Phelps August 4
Michael Phelps wins his last race at London Olympics, becomes most-decorated Olympian in history.
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
4. Michael Phelps August 4
Michael Phelps wins his last race at London Olympics, becomes most-decorated Olympian in history. Pictured here with his teammates for the 4x100 relay: Matt Grevers, Nathan Adrian and Brendan Hansen.
5. Michael Phelps August 4
Michael Phelps wins his last race at London Olympics, becomes most-decorated Olympian in history.
6. Michael Phelps August 4
Michael Phelps wins his last race at London Olympics, becomes most-decorated Olympian in history.
7. Michael Phelps August 4
Michael Phelps wins his last race at London Olympics, becomes most-decorated Olympian in history.
