Source: Xinhua

08-14-2008 07:26

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

BEIJING, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Michael Phelps has become the most successful athlete ever after collecting his 10th and 11th Olympic gold medal on Wednesday as world record-breaking performances were seen in swimming and weightlifing at the Beijing Games.

Michael Phelps of the United States smiles after winning the men's 200m butterfly final at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube in Beijing, China, Aug. 13, 2008. Phelps set a new world record and won the gold medal in the event with 1 minute 52.03 seconds. (Xinhua)
Michael Phelps of the United States smiles after winning the 
men's 200m butterfly final at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in 
the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube in 
Beijing, China, Aug. 13, 2008. Phelps set a new world record and 
won the gold medal in the event with 1 minute 52.03 seconds. 
(Xinhua)

At the end of Day Five, China has reached 17 gold medals, a mark which took more than a week in Athens four years ago, after picking up one in diving, weightlifting, shooting and gymnastics apiece.

The United States stays in second spot in the medals table with 10 golds, followed by South Korea with six golds.

Phelps claimed his 10th gold in the men's 200m butterfly, then added his 11th when the U.S. quartet stormed to a runaway victory in the 4x200m freestyle relay in 6:58.56, chopping more than four seconds off their own world record of 7:03.24.