Tuesday July 31, 2012

LONDON (AP) -- Michael Phelps is master of the medals.

The swimming sensation has set the Olympic record for most medals won, helping the U.S. to the gold medal in the 4x200 meter freestyle relay. That brings his medal haul to 19, including a record 15 gold.

Phelps broke the record held by former Russian gymnast Larrisa Latynina.

Earlier, Phelps tied the mark when he was edged out for gold by South Africa Chad le Clos in the 200-meter butterfly.

Allison Schmitt set an Olympic record to win the 200-meter freestyle. The American was clocked at 1 minute, 53.61 seconds, more than a second better than the old mark. American teenager Missy Franklin finished fourth.

The International Olympic Committee is springing to the defense of China's teenage swim sensation Ye Shiwen. There has been speculation as to how the 16-year-old swam so fast while shattering the world record in 400-meter indvidual medley final on Saturday.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams says the top five finishers in all events are drug-tested, and the IOC is very confident that if there are cheats, they will catch them.

Adams also says it is "very sad" if great performances cannot be applauded.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press