On this day: August 17

POSTED: 08:14 PM PDT Aug 16, 2012    UPDATED: 11:00 PM PDT Aug 16, 2012 

Davy Crockett is born, George Orwell publishes his classic novel, the Berlin Wall claims its first victim, Bill Clinton admits to an "improper physical relationship" and Michael Phelps sets a new Olympic mark, all on this day.

OTD August 17 - Michael Phelps
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David Gray/Reuters

2008: American swimmer Michael Phelps becomes the first person to win eight gold medals in one Olympic Games when he and his teammates win the 4×100-meter medley relay in Beijing. He breaks Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals, which had stood since 1972.

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