May 11, 2008 6:24 pm US/Eastern
Phelps Bids Fans Farewell For 2008 Olympic Journey
MOUNT WASHINGTON, Md. (WJZ) ―
-
-
Maryland swimmer Michael Phelps and fellow-olympic bound swimmer Katie Hoff were in Mount Washington Saturday saying farewell to fans as they head to Beijing, China for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
It's Beijing or bust for Maryland's Michael Phelps.
The record-breaking swimmer is getting ready to head to China for the Summer Olympics.
Peggy Lee reports Phelps was in Mount Washington Saturday saying farewell to fans from a familiar aquatic club.
"It always brings back memories to come back here," said Phelps of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club.
Phelps, 22, is no stranger to Olympic pressure. At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Phelps became the first American to win eight medals. He was also the first athlete to win that many medals in a single Olympics.
Phelps was a member of the 2000 Olympic team. At age 15 he was the youngest American male swimmer at an Olympic games in 60 years.
"I think with going through everything I've gone through in the last four years, I think really I've learned a lot and I think I've grown up," said Phelps.
Also being honored Saturday night was Phelps' fellow Olympic-bound swimmer, 17-year-old Katie Hoff from Abingdon. She also trains at the facility.
Hoff also participated in the 2004 Olympics when she was 15-years-old. She was the youngest member of the team.
She says through competition she has grown both physically and mentally.
"The ability to handle myself internationally, just handle my nerves and stay relaxed," said Hoff.
She is considered to be the sixth fastest American woman in the 400- meter individual medley.
Saturday's event also served as a fundraiser for the aquatic club with proceeds going back to the swim team.
"An endowment fund to try to raise funds for the future of the team. So we celebrate not only the kids that have qualified for Olympic trials, and this year we have 11, but also to bring back our previous Olympians," said John Cadigan.
Next month, both Phelps and Hoff will swim in the Olympic time trials in Nebraska.
Phelps also confirmed that he'll follow his coach Bob Bowman, currently head coach at the University of Michigan, when he takes over as NBAC's CEO after the Olympics.
"I'm not going to swim for anybody else," said Phelps, who has been training in Ann Arbor, Mich., for four years. "I think we can both help (NBAC) go further. I'm definitely going to be (in Baltimore) next year."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Great NFL Hair
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
