CHINA: SWIMMING - Michael Phelps together with three other Olympic champions on a goodwill tour in China raising awareness for the Special Olympics

Michael Phelps, who won a record seven gold medals at the world swimming championships in Melbourne together with three other Olympic champions, is exploring new waters. The American swimmer is in China on a goodwill tour aimed at growing the sport of swimming and raising awareness for the Special Olympics - particularly the upcoming Special Olympics World Summer Games in October 2007. Over 20 Special Olympic swimmers were coached by gold medal winners in the pool on Tuesday (April 10) to learn a few tips from the fastest swimmers in the world. Phelps landed in China on April 7 to begin his goodwill tour. He donated 8808 US Dollars to the Special Olympic Committee on April 9. He wants to pass on to the young athletes what he has picked up along his swimming journey. "We all share dreams. It's everyone's dream to be the best they can be. You know I think that it's good for me to be able to teach everybody what I've learned along my journey to help them accomplish their dreams," said Phelps. The 21-year-old American won a record seven gold medals at the world championships, which ended in Melbourne on April 1, to break the mark set by Ian Thorpe at the 2001 championships in Japan. He also walked away holding five world records. Phelps said medals and records are not the only things that made him happy and proud. "It's good to be able to connect with people all over the world. Honestly, when you walk in there and when you see the smile on their faces and the excitement that they have that's one of the greatest feelings in the world. So being able to be part of that is definitely something I'm very proud and I'm very happy for," said Phelps. Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff, Ryan Lochte and Megan Jendrick started their China tour in Beijing and will be traveling to Shanghai. After visiting Forbidden city and tasting his share of Chinese food, Michael said he looked forward to coming back to the capital city next year as a competitor in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

ITN Source | April 11, 2007

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