Aug. 17, 2008, TDMN, Page 1A

1. Beijing 2008 More Olympics, Section C
Broken record
Relay win gives Phelps his 8th gold, a spot in history books
By BRAD TOWNSEND
Staff Writer
btownsend@dallasnews.com
BEIJING — Michael
Phelps did what many regard-
ed to be impossible. Shortly af-
ter 10 p.m. Dallas time Satur-
day, he earned a record eighth
gold medal of the Beijing
Olympics.
Phelps swam the third leg of
the United States’ winning
4x100m medley relay team.
When anchor-leg teammate
Jason Lezak touched the wall
in a world-record time of 3
minutes, 29.34 seconds,
Phelps surpassed American
swimmer Mark Spitz’s 36-
year-old record for most gold
medals in one Olympics.
“It’s been nothing but an
upwards roller coaster,” said
Phelps, 23. “And it’s been noth-
ing but fun.
“I just think the biggest
thing is nothing is impossible.
See RELAY Page 16A
How he does it
What makes Michael Phelps
such a special swimmer?
Large feet and hands
The combination allows him to
propel himself more efficiently
than his competitors.
A long torso
He stands 6-4, and, like all
swimmers, draws most of his
power from his core. His
relatively short legs don’t drag
him from behind.
An enormous wingspan
At 6-7, it gives him great reach
and allows him to conserve
energy with fewer strokes.
A quick recovery system
He produces far less lactic ERICH SCHLEGEL/Staff Photographer
acid than his peers, helping
him endure and bounce back
SWIMMING TRACK
Michael Phelps (right) celebrates
more quickly.
with his teammates after they Phelps poster 400 chase
Strong mental muscles
clinched gold in the 4x100 medley
His singular focus in the pool SportsDay Jeremy Wariner’s
relay. “It’s been nothing but an
allows him to shut out all commemorates parents keep him
upwards roller coaster,” Phelps said
distractions, both in and out Michael Phelps’ record down to earth so he
of his Olympic experience.
of the water. eight gold medals. 16C can go for gold. 17C