Phelps sets new Olympic record

Michael Phelps won a record 19th Olympic medal as the US team eased to gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay final.

Phelps swam the anchor leg and maintained the US team's healthy lead over the field to seal his 15th gold medal. France finished second while China came in third. Earlier in the evening, the American was stunned by South Africa's Chad le Clos in the 200m butterfly final. Phelps was aiming to become the first man to win an Olympic swimming event three times in a row, but was pipped in the final stroke having led throughout the race. Le Clos won in one minute 52.96 seconds, 0.05secs ahead of the two-time champion. Phelps was pleased to put that disappointment behind him with victory in the team event. "I've had the privilege of getting to know Chad in the last year. We have done some shoots together and he's a hard worker and a very talented kid. I was on the other end of that finish four years ago and he got me here. I can't be too upset," he said. "The most important thing was coming back together with the relay and we did it. It's my first gold medal of the meet and I'm very happy."