Too often in this country we are defined by what divides us. Democrats vs. Republicans. Pro-life advocates vs. abortion supporters. It even filters down into sports, subdividing our country into a patchwork of clashing team colors.

That's why it's so heartening when America embraces its Olympic success stories. Jesse Owens. Mark Spitz. The 1980 U.S. hockey team. The incredible Carl Lewis.

And now, in Beijing, the astounding Michael Phelps.

He's not just the gold standard among Olympic swimmers. For him, gold is standard. With first-place performances Wednesday morning in the 200-meter butterfly and the 800 freestyle relay, he now has won more gold medals than any other Olympic athlete -- 11.

And even that might be old news as you read this, depending on his performance today in the 200 individual medley. He might make it 12.

Not too many athletic or cultural events do things that really unite this country. Citizens in other nations galvanize as one when it comes to events such as the World Cup. But Americans? Not so much on a global stage.

Except for times like now.

In Phelps we have something to feel good about, and someone to be proud of.