Today in Sports History: July 31

Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian when he won the 200-meter butterfly and 4×200-meter freestyle relay at the 2012 London Olympics. Phelps surpassed gymnast Larisa Latynina’s record of 14 medals. He has 28 Olympic medals and holds records for the most Olympic gold medals, most Olympic gold medals in individual events, and most Olympic medals in individual events. Phelps competed in his first Olympics, Sydney 2000, at age 15 where he finished fifth place in the 200m butterfly. Eight years later, he won a record-breaking eight medals at Beijing and broke seven world records. Phelps retired after the 2016 Rio Olympics with a total of 28 Olympic medals.