Michael Phelps on his way to setting a new world record and winning the gold in the final of the men's 400-meter individual medley, 10 Aug 2008

American swimmers have dominated the Beijing Water Cube so far Tuesday with Michael Phelps now three for three in his quest to win a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.

Phelps took gold in the 200 meter free style in a world record time of one minute 42.96 seconds.  South Korea's Park Tae-hwan took the silver and American Peter Vanderkaay claimed the bronze. The 23-year-old Phelps now joins an elite fraternity that includes Carl Lewis and Mark Spitz, all with nine gold medals.

Later, Phelps' compatriot Natalie Coughlin captured the gold in the 100 meter backstroke with a time of 58.96 seconds.  Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe, who set the world record in her semifinal heat, took the silver.  American Margaret Hoelzer finished with the bronze.

Aaron Peirsol and Matt Grevers of the United States finished first and second in the 100 meter backstroke.  Peirsol took the gold with a world record time of 52.54 seconds.  Arkady Vyatchanin of Russia and Hayden Stoeckel of Australia tied for third place.

Aussie Leisel Jones won the women's 100-meter breast stroke with an Olympic record time of one minute 5.17-seconds.  American Rebecca Soni won silver and Mirna Jukic of Austria captured the bronze.

A total of 19 medals are being handed out today including in shooting, diving, wrestling, and men's gymnastics.