Just like it started 16 years ago in Sydney, Michael Phelps' Olympic career ended with his patented butterfly stroke.
Using his powerful dolphin kick to lift his shoulders and head just high enough out of the water for a quick breath, Phelps gave the United States the lead with his butterfly leg in the 4x100 medley relay Saturday night in Rio and watched as Nathan Adrian sealed his 23rd gold medal.
MORE: Classic photos of Michael Phelps | Full medal count
The Americans' time of 3 minutes, 27.95 seconds was a new Olympic record, breaking their own mark from 2008.