Michael Phelps wins 22nd Olympic Gold medal in men's 200m Individual Medley

Michael Phelps in the 200m Individual Medley. Credit: Reuters

Michael Phelps has won his 22nd Olympic Gold medal in the men's 200m Individual Medley.

Phelps won with a time of 1:54.66 which is just outside the world record.

Japan's Kosuke Hagino took silver, and Wang Shun of China took bronze.

Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in history with 22 golds, two silvers and two bronze medals - seven more than the second-highest athlete on the list, Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina.

The 31-year-old American has said he plans to retire after the Games in Rio.

Phelps said he was enjoying every moment of his final races Credit: Reuters

Last night marked Phelps' fourth consecutive 200 metres individual medley title.

He will be hoping to add another gold medal to his collection at the 100m butterfly on Friday. He won the title at the last three Olympics in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Games.

The athlete said that he was enjoying his sport like an 18-year-old - but his body does not agree.

"Getting out of the pool may take a little bit more energy, it might be a bit harder, but it's just as sweet standing on top of the podium," he said.

"Whenever I hear the national anthem there are so many memories always going through my head and pretty much every time I hear it I'm in tears. I tried to hold it back today. It didn't work."