Phelps captures relay gold

Michael Phelps completed a remarkable performance over eight days at the world swimming championships in Rome by helping the U.S. 400-meter medley relay team set the 43rd world record of the fastest meet in history Sunday.

Swimming the butterfly leg, Phelps helped the United States pull away from Germany and Australia to win in 3 minutes, 27.28 seconds. That easily broke the mark of 3:29.34 set by the Americans at last summer's Olympics, another relay team that included Phelps.
"That relay brings out the best in me," Phelps said. "It doesn't matter how much energy I have, it's all going to go into every race. That's one of the things that I enjoy most — stepping out onto the blocks no matter what kind of shape I'm in."
Phelps took six months off after his Beijing triumph, drew a three-month suspension from competition after the infamous pipe photo — and he was still honored as the outstanding male swimmer of the championships. Italy's Federica Pellegrini received the female award at the final major meet for high-tech bodysuits, which are responsible for so many world records falling and will be banned Jan. 1.
Eric Shanteau, who overcame testicular cancer to swim his best times, picked up the first major gold medal of his career on the breaststroke leg of the relay.
Ryan Lochte won his fourth gold of the championships and Germany's Britta Steffen matched her 50-100 freestyle sweep in Beijing.
The United States received an award as the top-performing country, though it was its worst showing since 1994.
The Americans took 10 golds, six silvers and six bronzes. In '94 they won 21 overall medals.
"The world is becoming so much more competitive," said Aaron Peirsol, who learned that the hard way when he surprisingly failed to qualify for the 100-meter backstroke final. "That can only be a beneficial thing for swimming. Competition raises the level of everybody."

Pro football

The Minnesota Vikings signed first-round pick Percy Harvin, the No. 22 overall selection out of Florida, to a five-year deal.

The Vikings expect to use Harvin in a variety of roles, including wide receiver, running back and return man,

The Indianapolis Colts agreed to terms with runing back Donald Brown, whom they selected out of Connecticut in the first round with the No. 27 overall pick.

The New York Giants placed linebacker Michael Boley (hip) and defensive tackles Fred Robbins (knee) and Rocky Bernard (hamstring) on the active physically unable to perform list