Phelps captures 19th gold

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Michael Phelps has to clear out more space in his medal case.

Time to make room for gold No. 19.

With yet another dazzling performance, the most decorated athlete in Olympic history added to his staggering haul Sunday night in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay, giving the United States a lead it never relinquished.

Defending Olympic champion France was leading when Phelps dove into the water on the second leg, taking over for leadoff swimmer Caeleb Dressel. Even though the 100 free isn’t one of his specialties — he’s never swam it at the Olympics — he blazed down and back in a stunning 47.12 seconds, a time that was faster than all but the three anchors on the medal-winning teams, three of the best in the world at that distance.

Ryan Held protected the lead before giving way for Nathan Adrian, America’s best sprinter.