U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps is about to break a new world record for the most Olympic medals in history.

Phelps failed to become the first male athlete to win the same individual event in three straight Olympic games on Tuesday when he lost to South Africa's Chad le Clos in the 200 Meter Butterfly.

But with the silver medal, Phelps totaled 18 medals in his career (14 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze). If he wins the 4x200 Meter Free Relay, he would make Olympic Games history surpassing Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina's for the most Olympic medals.

See Michael Phelps in action at the London Olympics 2012. Play the Slideshow.

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