Phelps conquers Mount Olympics

Michael Phelps wrote his names in the history books early Wednesday, winning two medals — a silver and then gold — to become the most successful Olympian with a record-shattering haul of 19 medals.

Michael Phelps wrote his names in the history books early Wednesday, winning two medals — a silver and then gold — to become the most successful Olympian with a record-shattering haul of 19 medals.

Michael-Phelps-swims-in-the-men-s-400-meter-individual-medley-final-at-the-US-Olympic-swimming-trials-in-Omaha-Nebraska-AP-Mark-J-Terrill

First came the silver in the 200-meter butterfly — a disappointment as the American was pipped to the gold by South Africa's Chad le Clos by just five-hundredths of a second.

Phelps responded by flipping away his cap in disgust, knowing he had blown it at the end by trying to glide to the wall instead of taking one more stroke.

That still tied him with Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina as the career leader with 18 medals. He had come to London with 17 medals, 14 of those gold.

But there were no mistakes in the next event — the men's 4x200 freestyle relay. Arch-rival and teammate Ryan Lochte set the pace at the beginning and Phelps was the smooth finisher, winning the team gold and getting to his personal milestone with ease.

It was history in the making. And surely, it'll be awhile before it is repeated.