-- the most ever. our man at the games in london is abc's bill weir. >> reporter: after countless days of countless laps, a lifetime staring at the bottom of pools, he began this day two medals away from the pinnacle of olympic achievement. after a weekend of disappointment, the first race of the day showed more tarnish than gold for phelps. if he could win the 200-meter butterfly he could be the first male swimmer to take gold in the same event at three olympics. down the stretch it looked possible. but inexplicably, he cruised into the finish allowing the south africa contender to win and settling for silver. but minutes later came the 4 x 200 freestyle relay. as his teammates. lochte, dwyer, berens, widened the lead, it became apparent that this would be the moment. four pool lengths later, a familiar stroke, a familiar touch and for the record-breaking 19th time, the