Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS1cvomcDfs

05-08-2012 01:54 When it was over, Michael Phelps, the greatest swimmer of all time, slipped away, sliding over the lane dividers as onlookers trained their attention on the final leg of the 4x100 medley relay. Phelps' final lap, one in which he regained the lead, buoyed the Americans back in front. He lifted himself onto the pool deck, and eyed Nathan Adrian, the American anchor, closing toward the finish wall. Phelps never looked back, instead hugging and high-fiving his other two teammates as his gilded age came to a close on Saturday. Phelps, 27, finished his competitive racing career with more Olympic gold medals (18) than wunderkind Missy Franklin has years lived (17). PHOTOS: DAY 8 AT THE LONDON GAMES He burnished his brilliant resume, replete with an Olympic-record 22 medals and engraved his legacy with strokes of genius, ensuring the afterglow would shine for years following his official retirement. His final moment in the natatorium was spent with Bob Bowman, his coach the last 15 years. The two men embraced as an oupouring of applause showered them. "I love you," Bowman said. "We did it," Phelps replied. "I know we did," Bowman said. These Olympic Games were eight days of chlorine and tears for Phelps. He failed to medal in the 400-meter individual medley at the outset, recovered to claim two gold medals as an individual and leveled the ledger with rival Ryan Lochte with a convincing win in the 200 IM. By the end, he refused to pick nits with his form, foregoing the regular ...

Read the original:
Micheal Phelps Talks Retirement 2012 Olympics - Video