10 Sporting Heroes Who Ruled 2012

2. Michael Phelps

"I couldn't ask to finish on a better note. I have done everything I wanted to do. I am very happy." Rarely does a sport see such a dominant and mercurial figure than Michael Phelps; the man is swimming, and in his final Olympics still managed to compete at a level that will probably never be matched. Phelps has a place in history as the most decorated Olympian of all time, which means that in the 116-year history of the games and the tens of thousands of competitors, he is the pinnacle of medal winners. After his unbelievable feats of Beijing in 2008 which saw him win eight gold medals, Phelps only medalled in six events this year, including a pair of silver medals, a metal which he was not very familiar with prior to the 2012 games. However, he was able to win four gold medals to compensate, but all six medals helped him achieve the position of most decorated Olympian in history, surpassing the record of 18 set by Larisa Latynina in 1964, and taking his overall medal record to 22 with a gold medal in the 4x100 metre relay. Phelps is undoubtedly the greatest swimmer of all time, so much so that some fish must look at him in envy. With the emergence of the potentially great Ryan Lochte, it appears that the American stranglehold over swimming will continue for many years to come. However, it will take a herculean effort to dislodge Phelps, who if history is any indication will be able to call himself the greatest Olympian of all time for many years to come. After three Olympics, thousands of lengths of swimming pools across the globe and a trophy cabinet that is lined with gold, Phelps is able to bow out of his sport in style, in full knowledge that an athlete could not possibly ask for a more fabulous and celebrated career. Standout Moment of 2012: Bowing out in style, winning his 18th Olympic Gold Medal by participating in the 4x100 metre medley relay in 3:29.35.