Dec 13, 2009 11:36 pm US/Eastern
Michael Phelps Inspires Young Swimmers
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps is preparing for the games in 2012, but along the way, he's taking time to inspire some young swimmers.
CBS
Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps is preparing for the games in 2012, but along the way, he's taking time to inspire some young swimmers.
As
Gigi Barnett reports, that means attending meets from his early days.
From the edge of the pool at the Naval Academy's Aquatic Center, coaches strategize, parents watch and teammates cheer at the annual North Baltimore Aquatic Club's Christmas Meet. The pool was filled with young swimmers, except one: gold medalist Michael Phelps.
"It's just amazing to watch him swim," said Margaret Pollack.
The North Baltimore Aquatic Club is Phelps' club. The 25-yard collegiate pool is smaller than what Phelps takes on at international meet. He competed in the boys' open division this weekend, much different from the European World Cups he recently attended.
"It's not a major international competition, but just a chance to get in and race and do a good job," said NBAC Coach Tom Yetter.
Michael Phelps got his start in pools like this and at meets like this. Swimmers in his club say the gold medalist is an inspiration.
"He's really motivational. It makes me want to swim faster at the meets to know that he's there watching," said Halley McComas.
Coaches say Phelps knows young swimmers are watching. It's--in part--why he's at the Christmas meet.
"United States swimming is really increasing their numbers over the years and he has a lot to do with it becoming more popular," Yetter said.
Phelps says he needs a variety of challenges between meets as he prepares for the 2012 Olympics in London.
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