I have the opportunity to be part of swimming history. To take the sport to a new level would be an honor for me. There's no better time to try this than now.

In his second event the 100-meter butterfly Phelps just edged out Ian Crocker 51. 62. 23.

He expects to do further work with his foundation after the 2012 Olympics which he has said will be his last. Five of those victories were in individual events tying the single Games record. In the 2012 Summer Olympics in London Phelps won four golds and two silver medals making him the most successful athlete of the Games for the third Olympics in a row.