American swimmer Michael Phelps won the gold of 200-meter butterfly with a new world record at Beijing Olympic Games on Wednesday, becoming the most decorated athlete in Olympic history.

The 23-year-old American man clocked 1:52.03 to better his own world record of 1:52.09 set in May 2007. Hungary's Laszlo Cesh took silver in 1:52.70, and the bronze went to Japanese Takeshi Matsuda in 1:52.97.

Phelps, who has won three golds in Beijing, came to the pool as the unequalled star in the event. He stretched his leg upon the deck and adjusted his swimsuits and caps before jumping into the water to create history.

Phelps was the second to touch wall at 50 meters, but overtook the rest of the swimmers in the second lap and was never headed.

The medal is the tenth Olympic gold for Phelps.

American basketball players, including Kobe Bryant, were among the spectators to witness the feat.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2008)