Michael Phelps: I hope to create sensation at the 'water cube' (photos attached)

Michael Phelps speaks with the official website

(BEIJING, August 8) -- Michael Phelps recently spoke to the official website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games about his Olympic goals. During the interview, which took place during the 2007 USA Swimming National Championship in Indianapolis, Phelps said that because he does not like to lose, the only thing he can do is to focus on winning, get into the pool, and finish first.

At the age of 15, Michael Phelps first appeared at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games coming in fifth in the 200m butterfly. Shortly afterwards, at 15 years and 9 months, he set a record in the 200m butterfly to become the youngest man ever to set a swimming world record.

Phelps' achievements include eight medals at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, six of which were gold. He has been named World Swimmer of the Year three times -- in 2003, 2004, and 2006.

Beijing will attract the world's attention

Phelps has visited Beijing twice, once in 2005 and once this year and with both visits the city has left a very deep impression on him. Phelps is confident that the 2008 Olympic Games hosted in Beijing will attract the world's attention.

While in Beijing, Phelps also visited some venues. He said he had a unique feeling about the "water cube," since he will be cleaving the waves there next August. Phelps believes that the "water cube" is a spectacular sight and that it will go down in history as an Olympic venue paragon.

10 events to prepare for Beijing

Phelps registered for 10 events in the five-day USA Swimming National Championship, the last distance swim competition prior to next year's Olympic trials. For Phelps this competition is very important as a preparation for Beijing. His next goal after this competition will be to perform well at the USA Olympic trials next year.

Another Opening Ceremony in front of the television

The opening ceremony is, without a doubt, a highlight of the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, with the swimming competition scheduled for the very next day following the opening ceremony, Michael Phelps will once again be unable to attend it. For Phelps, who has heard from his mother how awesome it is to be there in person, it is regretful that he will again have to watch the opening ceremony on television.