Ryan Lochte hails 'unbelievable' Michael Phelps

Ryan Lochte has sung the praises of Michael Phelps after his United States teammate became the most decorated Olympian of all time.

The legendary swimmer led the US to victory in the men's 4x200 relay last night, taking his overall medals haul to 19, a feat Lochte described as "unbelievable".

He told BBC Sport: "Nineteen, it's unheard of, he's one of the toughest racers and one of the greatest swimmers ever to live.

"Any time you can make history is just unbelievable and what he's done for this sport I don't think anyone can ever duplicate."

Lochte, himself a five-time Olympic gold medalist, goes up against Phelps in the men's 200m individual medley today.