London, Aug 3 (IANS) Michael Phelps' Olympic legend grew even greater as he defeated Ryan Lochte to win the gold medal in the men's 200 meter medley Thursday.

Phelps has now won an incredible 20 Olympic medals, of which 16 are gold medals, Xinhua reported.

His win also made him the first man to win the same title in three consecutive Olympics.

It was the perfect race as he begins counting off the remaining races of his career, which will end Sunday.

It's a relief to win an individual gold, it is special. I fell short in the first couple of event so to be able to do something no man has done is a cool feeling, said Phelps afterwards.

It was hard, but it is really nice to be able to add to my CV. It hurt and I over-swam the first 100 meters, but I am not going to complain about it, the US swimmer added.