Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics

Michael Phelps had 21 gold medals, 12 of those coming in individual events, not relays, the most of the modern Games. But not most all-time, as he is tied with Leonidas of Rhodes, an ancient Olympian, who also had a dozen titles to his name. Phelps though could become the greatest Olympian of this or any era, with another triumph in the men's 200-meter individual medley.

China's Wang Shun qualified for the final and is ready to cause an upset.

But all eyes would be Michael Phelps in Lane 4.

The American grabs the lead almost from the start of the race. His countryman Ryan Lochte and home favorite Thiago Pereira stay in the top three for most of the time.

China's Wang would try and push ahead in the last 50 meters' -- which is the freestlye leg of the event.

Phelps consolidates his position in the final push and the Baltimore Bullet claims his 22nd gold medal, and 13th individual title. Japan's Kosuke Hagino takes silver, and Wang the bronze while Ryan Lochte finished fifth.