Inspired by Michael Jordan, Phelps elated to reach 23 gold medals
The world's greatest Olympian now has something in common with the best to ever grace the hardwood.
Saturday's victory in the men's 4x100m medley relay not only saw Michael Phelps potentially end his career with yet another gold medal, - his fifth in Rio - it also saw the swimmer's gold medal tally reach 23, a figure near and dear to his heart.
After growing up a massive fan of basketball hall of famer Michael Jordan, Phelps was thrilled to reach 23 gold medals - the number Jordan wore on his jersey for a majority of his illustrious NBA career - after helping the U.S. remain perfect in the men's relay.
"Michael Jordan has been an inspiration to me throughout my whole career,” Phelps told reporters. “What he did to the sport of basketball is what I’ve always wanted to do in the sport of swimming. No. 23 is a special number, and will always be a special number. It always has been, and now it is even more special."
The victory saw Phelps' overall medal count swell to 28 in total - a mark that likely won't change unless he decides to give it another go in Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Related - Phelps confirms intention to retire: 'It's the beginning of a new journey'
All photos courtesy Action Images.