Michael Phelps exits the Olympic stage for final time with gold

LONDON -- Twelve years, four Olympics and one swimmer for the ages.

All the numbers associated with the legendary Michael Phelps and it came down to one after he stood on the podium, winning gold in the 400-meter medley relay on Saturday at the Aquatics Centre here.

Zero.

Phelps, who has more medals (22) and gold (18) than any other Olympian, has no Olympic races remaining.

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The 27-year-old exited the international stage for the final time and did it in stirring fashion, managing to take the lead with his butterfly leg, then watching teammate Nathan Adrian pull away on the anchor leg.

The U.S. relay team of Matt Grevers, Brendan Hansen, Phelps and Adrian won the event in 3 minutes 29.35 seconds. Japan was second in 3:31.26 and Australia third in 3:31.58.

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Phelps, who made his Olympic debut in 2000, turned in a butterfly leg of 50.73. The U.S. had been in second place to Japan when Phelps took over and managed to put them in front. Adrian blew away from the field with a terrific finish.

The U.S. has never lost in the event.

The final numbers for the legendary Olympian: 22 medals ... 18 gold, two silver and two bronze. Phelps finished with three gold medals in the final three days of his final Summer Games.

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