Phelps on retirement

He ends the most decorated swimming and Olympics career with a record 22 medals, 18 of which were gold. Phelps held a late-nigh press conference Saturday after his final competitive race — a win in the 4X100 medley relay. 

Here are some highlights:

On retirement:

"I couldn’t ask to finish on a better note. I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do. I’m very happy. It’s time to move on. There are other things I want to do with my life. I’m not sure staring at a black line for four hours a day is one of those.

“To be able to sit here and say I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do in swimming is pretty special. That’s the only thing I wanted to say when I retired. I wouldn’t change anything, I didn’t miss anything, I’ve had the opportunity to do things that nobody else has ever done before. I’m pretty happy with that."

On what he’ll do now:

"I want to travel a bunch. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been able to see so many places in the world but I’ve never been able to experience them. I’ve seen pools and hotels pretty much ever since I’ve been on the national team. I’d like to experience some things, whether it’s traveling through Europe or going back to Australia. I want to go cage diving in South Africa.

"Even though I am retiring and the competitive side of my career is over, there are still things I want to do around the sport. I would like to take it to a higher level than it is right now, grow the sport more and more."

On his emotions after his final competitive swim:

"It felt just like a normal swim. I feel like this is just the normal end of a meet, my last swim is normally the relay. It’s weird to think that was my last swim ever, but it’s something I’m very happy for and very proud of.

"I’m a lot more relaxed than I thought I’d be at this moment. I though I’d be a lot more emotional, but I’m just not right now. It’ll probably hit me hard in the next couple of days."