Olympics 2016 news and updates: U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps bags 21 gold medals

Michael Phelps is perhaps the most decorated Olympian gold medalist to date after bagging a total of 21 gold medals along with two silver medals and two bronze medals in his entire swimming career.

In the past three Olympic games, the seasoned swimming veteran from the United States has carved quite a name for himself after winning the 200-meter individual medley each time. With his recent 200-meter butterfly win in Rio including two golds in relay, the 31-year-old swimmer is on his way to nab his 22nd gold medal after making it to the 200-meter individual medley final which will take place on Aug. 12.

As reported by BBC News, Phelps has secured his lead over fellow American swimmer and six-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte after finishing first in the semi-final in just one minute and 55.78 seconds.

With his undisputed string of successes, Phelps appeared to have matched the ancient athletic record of an equally competitive Olympian named Leonidas of Rhodes more than 2, 000 years ago.

After bagging his 21st gold, the American swimmer is now at par with the sports celebrity in the Greek-speaking world. Leonidas was the ultimate sprinter in the 154th, 155th, 156th and 157th ancient Olympiads. The ancient Rhodesian sprinter's 21st century counterpart, on the other hand, secured victories in the following Olympic events: 100-meter butterfly in 2004, 2008 and 2012; the 200-meter butterfly in 2004, 2008 and 2016; the 200-meter medley in 2004, 2008 and 2012; the 400-meter medley in 2004 and 2008; and the 200-meter freestyle in 2008.

Meanwhile, Phelps' seemingly uncontested Olympic status wasn't always smooth sailing. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the swimmer's market value took a beating following his brief retirement and drunk driving incident two years ago. However, analysts see the Rio Olympics as Phelps' springboard to rebuild his crumbling brand into a lucrative source of sponsorship deals that could fund a comfortable retirement. With more record-breaking wins on sight, his earnings could rise up to millions of dollars.