Michael Phelps has revealed that the President of the United States, Barack Obama, phoned him to offer his congratulations for breaking the record for most medals won at the Olympics.

The American moved his tally to 19 medals with victory in the 4x200m relay on Tuesday and admitted that he was delighted to receive a call from his country's leader.

Phelps told BBC Sport: "The President of the United States called me yesterday. It was pretty cool. Someone called me up and asked me to hold as they had the President waiting to speak to me.

"He told me that everyone is supporting me. It was very special and he said to say hi to my mum!"

The 27-year-old won yet another gold medal in the pool on Thursday evening by triumphing in the 200m individual medley.