Michael Phelps has tied a 2,168-year-old Olympic record
We all knew Michael Phelps was pretty much a demigod when it comes to swimming -- but this brings our appreciation of his insane talents to a whole new level.
Phelps officially earned the 21st Olympic medal of his career on Tuesday night as the United States won the men's 4x200 meters freestyle relay.
He also took home another gold that night during the much anticipated 200M men's butterfly, bringing his total of individual gold medals up to a stunning 12.
Even though his accomplishments are monumental on their own — if you really know your Olympic history, you'd realize just how huge a feat those 12 individual gold medals really are.
Phelps has now tied a record set by the great Leonidas of Rhodes in 152 BC, according to Olympic historian Bill Mallon, making him the greatest Olympic athlete in 2,168 years.
Mallon was the first to report on this beautiful fact, according to Deadspin.
Phelps wins 12th individual Olympic title, equalling record by Leonidas of Rhodes in Ancient Olympic Games. https://t.co/q4oH1VrmmR
— Bill Mallon (@bambam1729) August 10, 2016
He went on to back up his claim, listing the Olympic accomplishments of Leonidas, which The Encyclopedia of the Modern Olympic Movement seems to confirm.
ICYMI, Leonidas won the stadion, diaulos, and hoplite race at the 164-160-156-152 BC Ancient Olympic Games. 4 consecutive in 3 diff events
— Bill Mallon (@bambam1729) August 10, 2016
As if this news should come as a surprise to anyone who has ever seen Phelps swim before -- we knew the entire time that we were watching history in the making.
More on Phelp's Olympic history:
