Greatest Olympian ever! Phelps beats all-time record medal tally with double in pool
Michael Phelps tonight became the most decorated athlete in Olympic history when his gold in the 4x200 metres freestyle relay took him to 19.
The 27-year-old had equalled Larisa Latynina's record earlier this evening with silver in the 200m butterfly.
However, the United States swimmer moved beyond the Russian whose record had stood since 1964 to stand alone at the pinnacle with three more events to come.
History maker: Phelps bagged the two medals he needed to become the most decorated Olympian
Phelps' medal tally
15 x GOLD
2 x SILVER
2 x BRONZE
The American has always maintained he is not interested in medal counts and will be furious with himself after Chad le Clos beat him on the touch in his first race of the evening - the 200m butterfly.
Pipped to the post: Phelps narrowly missed out on the gold medal in his first race of the night - but made no mistake in the second
The 26-year-old McClatchey produced her best performances for years to reach the final but she was not realistically expected to be in the battle for the title.
Schmitt, who last month swam the event faster than anyone in textiles in history, led from start to finish and touched in a dominant 1:53.61.
France's Camille Muffat was second as the pair reversed their placings in the 400m freestyle on Sunday with Australia's Bronte Barratt third.
McClatchey touched in 1:57.60 in what is set to be her final Olympics after three Games.
Gold standard: The 4x200 freestyle team pose with their gold medals
Legend Henry confident Arsenal can cope without wantaway captain Van Persie
Thierry Henry insists Arsenal will overcome the loss of Robin van Persie should he leave the Gunners.
Boss Arsene Wenger is set to hold further talks with van Persie this week, but the Dutch striker is determined to move on.
Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus are all interested in last season's top scorer in the Barclays Premier League.
On his way: Robin van Persie is keen to quit Arsenal this summer
Henry, whose highly-successful eight-year spell at Arsenal ended in 2007 and resumed with a loan stint in January, insists the club will cope if he leaves.
'We hope he stays and that's the way it is,' the Frenchman told Sky Sports News. 'I don't know exactly what is happening but as an Arsenal fan I want him to stay.
'He is still an Arsenal player and the boss has to deal with it. I just want Arsenal to do well. Robin will do what he will do and we'll see.
'When I left, everybody cried, but then the year after they went on a run of being eight points ahead. Everyone comes and goes.'
Come to me! Man City boss Roberto Mancini (right) wants to sign Van Persie
Henry insists Arsenal need England midfielder Jack Wilshere, who is battling back from ankle and knee problems, to recover as quickly as possible.
Wilshere is expected to return to action in October after spending the whole of last season on the treatment table.
'You want Jack Wilshere around. He reminds me of when I first arrived when the old guard was there,' the New York Red Bulls striker said.
'He's an Arsenal fan in the first place and you need this type of player around in the dressing room.
Old pals Thierry Henry (left) celebrates with Robin van Persie last season
'It's not only that he's an Arsenal fan, and not only an Englishman, but he's a good player, it's as simple as that.
'What a shame that he stopped a bit because he was on his way.
'I just wish him all the best that he can come back quick and wear the shirt he loves so much.'
£70m van Persie: Massive new bid could end summer's biggest transfer sag
Juventus are set to launch a stunning SEVENTY million pound attempt to lure Robin van Persie to Italy.
Giuseppe Marotta, the Serie A champions' general manager, has held further talks with van Persie’s representatives and made it clear they will top any offer made by rivals Manchester United.
Van Persie will also be offered a five-year deal worth £190,000 a week AFTER tax.
And Juve have told his agents that they will make a £20m offer to Arsenal for his services.
Sir Alex Ferguson is confident of landing Van Persie for United, even though they are reluctant to pay in excess of £15m for a player who a) turns 29 next week, meaning his sell-on value will only diminish, b) has a poor injury record and c)has said he will not extend a Gunners contract that expires next summer.
In addition, the Reds do not want to pay the Dutch international in excess of £200,000-a-week - van Persie would want the same £220k-a-week deal as United’s top earner Wayne Rooney to join them.
But Juventus, fearing that RvP is ready to go to Old Trafford, are determined to turn his head with a mind-boggling offer, in terms of transfer fee and personal terms.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini remains keen on van Persie, but the champions' hierarchy are trying to sell before they buy and have been unable to move striker Emmanuel Adebayor on to Tottenham because of his wage demands.
Also, City are not prepared to give van Persie more than £150,000-a-week.
SUNDERLANDY CARROL
Liverpool are ready to offload the £35million striker this summer as he does not suit new boss Brendan Rodgers’ style of football.
Carroll’s old club Newcastle are in the box seat for the England hitman, while West Ham are also monitoring the situation.
And now Black Cats boss O’Neill has thrown his hat into the ring for the former Toon favourite.
The Northern Irishman said: “Andy Carroll is a really good player, a really good player. Would he come to Sunderland?
“He is a very fine player.”
Meanwhile, O’Neill is sweating over the fitness of defender Wes Brown while fellow centre-back Michael Turner is in talks with Norwich over a move.
O’Neill added: “Norwich had asked us about it before Wes’ injury and so having given permission for Michael to go down there and the clubs having agreed a fee, it was just ironic that Wes got injured at the time.
“We will see what develops down in Norwich, but I am hoping that Wes’ injury is not as bad as it might have been.”
Great Britain 1 Brazil 0
These girls are the real thing. Steph Houghton’s well-taken early goal was enough to beat a very talented Brazil side last night, and meant Britain finished top of Group E and can look forward to Friday’s quarter-final against Canada in Coventry.
Hot shot: Steph Houghton (second left) celebrates her early strike
They have the country on their side at these Games and continue to generate interest as they showcase their talent and tactical nous. They craved the attention and now they will have to get used to coping with it.
Britain are stylish and well organised, a tribute to the calming leadership qualities of their outstanding, progressive coach. Powell has peppered her team with craft and creativity, combing through the nation to find a winning combination.
Cool head: Houghton skips past Andreia to score
Stephanie Houghton of Great Britain scores the opening goal
Missed chance: Kelly Smith takes a penalty which was saved by Brazil keeper
Kelly Smith of Great Britain
MODRIC AGREE WITH MADRID
YOUR LUK'S IN ... Modric is set for dream move to Real
Last Updated: 30th July 2012
TOTTENHAM last night agreed a £36million fee with Real Madrid for Luka Modric.
The Croatia midfielder had already said he would join Jose Mourinho’s side but was waiting for the clubs to reach a deal.
He almost ruined his chances of a move by refusing to go on Spurs’ pre-season tour.
But Real officials persuaded him to apologise and return.
Madrid were reluctant to meet Spurs’ valuation but Mourinho wanted Modric as soon as possible.
The deal will bring an end to a saga which began when the 26-year-old demanded a move to Chelsea a year ago.
