RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Standing atop the medal podium for the 23rd time, Michael Phelps teared up, bit his lip and gave a little nod.
This was how he really wanted to go out.
On top of his game in the water.
Totally content away from the pool.
"It turned out pretty cool," Phelps said, another gold medal around his neck. "It's just a perfect way to finish."
Phelps put the United States ahead to stay on the butterfly leg of the 4x100-meter medley relay, giving the most decorated athlete in Olympic history his 23rd career gold medal Saturday night.