Swimmer Phelps signs off with gold (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Swimmer Phelps signs off with gold

8:46pm Saturday 4th August 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

Great Britain were fourth but all eyes were on Michael Phelps as he brought to an end a career few can ever hope to match as he claimed his 18th Olympic gold medal as the United States won the 4x100 metres medley relay in the final event of London 2012.

The 27-year-old now has 22 medals - 18 gold, two silver and two bronze - over four Olympics, his Games career starting in Sydney 12 years ago when he was fifth in the 200m butterfly.

Six golds and two bronze medals in Athens was followed by his historic eight gold medals in Beijing four years later.

When he was introduced before the final race of his career, his composure appeared to slip slightly.

He swam the butterfly leg and handed over to Nathan Adrian in first place for the freestyle as the United States clinched another title in three minutes 29.35 seconds

Britain put up a brave fight but they were edged out of the medals in 3mins 32.32secs.