On August 2, 2012, day 6 of the London Summer Olympics, legendary swimmer Michael Phelps won the gold medal in the men’s 200-meter individual medley. With the close win over American teammate Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps became the first male swimmer to win the same event in three successive Olympics, and he eventually became the first to win it in four consecutive Olympics as well in 2016. The win also marked his fifth gold medal in an individual medley—at that point in his career, he had won two 400 meter individual medleys in addition to the three 200 meter medleys. By the end of his career, Phelps wound up with a record 23 Olympic gold medals and is considered by many the greatest swimmer ever.
Today in Sports History: August 2
