Swimmer Michael Phelps connects with kids on post-Games tour
OLYMPICS
There are TV shows, red-carpet events, autograph signings and more, but the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games shows a particular affinity at events for children.
He has walked down the red carpet with Kid Rock, been a presenter at MTV's "Video Music Awards," filmed a skit with Jimmy Kimmel, been asked for autographs by celebrities, was a guest on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," served as the honorary bell ringer at the New York Stock Exchange and is rehearsing for his upcoming role as the host of "Saturday Night Live."
"I'm going to be on a comedy show, but I don't know if I can be funny," he said.
So what has made the biggest impression on Michael Phelps as the record-breaking Olympic swimmer continued his fish-out-of-water victory parade around the globe this week?
On Monday, it appeared to be Javier Silva.
The 7-year-old Silva joined his playmates at the Boys and Girls Club of Burbank to hear Phelps talk about a life beyond their imagination.
And after Phelps was done, Silva presented him with a gift, a leather bracelet he had made, adorned with eight small rings to represent the record eight gold medals Phelps won at the Beijing Olympics.
"I saw him swim and I wanted to make something for him," Silva said.
Several hours later, down the street at the NBC studios, Phelps was still wearing the bracelet as he walked off the set of the Leno show.
"This is priceless," Phelps said, running his hand over it. "I think I'm going to leave it on."
The bond with children seems genuine for Phelps, still a kid himself at 23.
He feels he can transfer his love of his sport and work ethic to the next generation, putting swimming in the spotlight more than just once every four years.
Phelps has backed this big commitment with big dollars. Awarded a $1-million bonus by the Speedo swimwear company for winning gold times eight, Phelps is using the money to support swimming and youth activities in general through his foundation.
"As long as you stay focused," Phelps told his wide-eyed young fans Monday, "you can do anything you want."
What Phelps would like to do now is go home to Baltimore. Since leaving Beijing, he has been to Portugal, London, New York, Orlando, back to New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Burbank and New York once again.
Phelps knew the world was watching as he plunged into uncharted waters in the Olympic pool by being part of seven world records. He heard from people back home how much attention he was getting.
But it didn't really sink in until he rode in a parade at the Disney entertainment complex in Orlando.
- A Little Off the Mark Aug 17, 2004
- Michael Phelps is off to a roaring start Aug 10, 2008
- FISH OUT OF WATER Aug 08, 2004
