Michael Phelps becomes all time most-decorated Olympian, scooping 19th medal in 4 x 200m relay

17,000 people exploded in applause as swimming legend Michael Phelps touched the pool wall at the final swimming event of the night, securing a 19th medal and a place in history as the most-decorated Olympian of all time.

The US swimmer won a gold medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay. Phelps anchored the team, and swam to an easy victory after a strong performance by teammates Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer, and Ricky Berens established a lead of nearly four seconds before Phelps even entered the pool.

"You are now a complete legend!" said the public-address announcer.

Team USA closed in at a time of 6 min 59.70 seconds to win the relay, followed by France with 7:02.77 and China a far third with 7:06.30. Britain came in sixth place with 7 min 09.33 seconds.

The US gold medal win sets the 27-year-old at a grand total of 19 Olympic medals, one more than 48-year record holder Larisa Latynina, a former Soviet gymnast. Latynina won 18 medals from 1956-1964: nine gold, five silver, and four bronze.

Phelps was previously known for his record eight gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He now holds 15 gold medals.

However, the night also was bittersweet for Phelps as he failed to win gold in his signature event, the 200m butterfly. In a complete reversal of his famous Beijing win, Phelps lost to South African Chad le Clos by only 0.05 seconds, leaving him hanging his head in shame in the pool at the silver medal. For 11 years, Phelps has been champion of the event and would have been the first person to win the event three consecutive times.

Phelps still has three more chances to extend his medal lead in London.

Images via Getty.