U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps swam to his third Gold Medal of the Beijing Games Tuesday, helping the U.S. pull ahead of China in the overall medal count.

Michael Phelps blazed through the men's 200-meter freestyle, powering to his third gold medal and third world record at these games.

"The plan was to take it out and dare them to try to catch me," Phelps said.

Fellow American Peter Vanderkaay joined Phelps on the podium with a bronze medal. This is Phelps ninth gold medal of his career, tying him for the most won by any Olympian ever.

In the men's and women's 100-meter backstroke two Americans defended their Olympic titles.

Natalie Coughlin held off world record holder Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe, breaking the American record in the process.

Aaron Peirsol broke a world record of his own, leading a 1-2 American finish ahead of silver medalist Matt Greevers.

The only swimming event the U.S. didn't win was the women's 100-meter breaststroke.  There was still a surprise silver lining for runner-up American Rebecca Soni.

The U.S. has won 21 total medals in these games, seven gold, six silver and eight bronze.  China is next in the medal count with 20 total medals, 13 of them gold. 

Phelps will try to add to the U.S. total medal count Tuesday night in primetime.  He will swim for a record 10th career Olympic gold in the 200-meter butterfly.  Also in primetime, the U.S. women's gymnastics team goes head to head with China for gold in the team final.  For a complete schedule of events visit News 4's Olympic Zone Web site.