It was his first Olympic gold , and it came in a world - record time of 4 : 08.26 .
Phelps celebrates winning gold in the 400 - meter medley in 2004 .
It was Phelps ' first Olympic gold , and it came in a world - record time of 4 : 08.26 .
Phelps celebrates winning gold in the 400 - meter medley in 2004 .