LONDON The final swim of Michael Phelps' incomparable career was a victory lap, a coronation and a mere formality.

Phelps' butterfly leg in the 400-meter individual medley helped propel the United States to an emphatic victory and sent Phelps into retirement with his 22nd career Olympic medal a staggering 18 of them gold. Both totals are records and it will take a long time before those totals are even challenged, much less broken.

Phelps was joined on the winning relay by backstroker Matt Grevers, breaststroker Brendan Hansen and freestyler Nathan Adrian. The U.S. has never lost an Olympic 400 medley relay, and this one was never in doubt after Phelps regained the lead on the third leg. The Americans won with a time of 3:29.35. Japan (3:31.26) took the silver medal and Australia (3:31.58). captured the bronze.

"I could probably sum it up in a couple of words and just say, 'I did it.'" Phelps said of his career. "Through the ups and downs, I've still been able to do everything that I've ever wanted to accomplish. I've been able to do things nobody's ever done and that's what I've always wanted to do."

"The memories I have for this week will never go away," he added.

This victory gives Phelps four gold medals and two silver for the London Olympics an impressive haul for a 27-year-old and especially impressive after his shaky start here.

Phelps shockingly missed the podium in his first event, the 400 individual medley, then regrouped by winning the 100 butterfly and 200 IM and swimming strong legs on the gold medal-winning 800 freestyle relay. His silver medals were in the 400 free relay and 200 butterfly.

His final three swims all ended with him on the top step of the podium, listening to the "Star-Spangled Banner." Phelps was more emotional on the podium than he had been in Olympics past, as the emotional weight of his career's end sunk in.

After receiving his final gold medal, Phelps got a lifetime achievement award from FINA, the sport's swimming federation. The trophy boasted the words "greatest Olympian of all time," a title he only took partial credit for.

"I've been able to become the best swimmer of all time and we got here together," Phelps said of his longtime coach Bob Bowman.

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Michael Phelps swims into retirement with 18th Olympic gold on U.S. 400 medley relay team