Michael Phelps On Making Olympic History

Swimming Superstar Gives His First Extensive Post-Olympics Interview

(CBS)  But after winning his sixth gold, one short of Spitz's record, Phelps now admits for the first time, he was whipped. "I remember saying, 'I got nothing left.'"

"Yeah, I could just see it in his face. If you look at the pictures right after the race, and even when I was standing there, and he was in the water, I thought, 'Wow, he is really tired right now,'" Bowman said.

With little left in his tank, and an historic seventh gold medal on the line, Phelps was behind Serbia's Milorad Cavic in the final of the 100-meter butterfly with just 35 meters to go.

"I was like, 'Please get your hand to the wall first. Please get your hand to the wall first,'" Phelps remembered. "I remember like the last two or three strokes that I had misjudged the finish. I thought that was the race."

But he was victorious. "As soon as I hit the wall, I saw I had won, I looked up, and saw it was by one one-hundredth. And you know that's where the emotion came out. You know, that's where the big splash in the water, like the big roar. I mean you could tell that I was pretty intense after that race."

A photo finish if ever there was one. Phelps was on the left, Cavic on the right. Looking at photos of the finish, Phelps noticed something. "He's picking his head up," Phelps explained, examining the photo. "So it's acting like a speed bump. So he's coming up and then trying to lift his head before he touches the wall. And now mine's in a straight streamline. So that's the difference in the race. If his head's down, he wins. Hands down, hands down wins the race."

A tilt of the head helped Michael Phelps become an Olympic legend.

The cover shoot for Sports Illustrated was the kickoff to a marketing frenzy few other Olympic athletes have ever experienced.

Phelps had nine major sponsors even before Beijing. Now he is overwhelmed with proposals. While visiting Visa's headquarters, 60 Minutes caught him backstage as his agent Peter Carlisle showed him a big offer on his BlackBerry.

It was rejected - $5 million turned down. "Sometimes I get a little frustrated but in the long run I know why he rejected it and why he does stuff like that," Phelps said.

"These types of things were happening so frequently. The number of offers like that that just obviously didn't fit in. It was astounding," Carlisle said.

Carlisle's office receives about 300 calls a day regarding Phelps, but he's only looking for companies that fit Phelps' lifestyle.

Ten restaurant chains offered Phelps deals, but he signed with Subway, in part because they plan to market Phelps overseas. A car endorsement in China will soon follow. To entice more kids to swim, he's set up a foundation, and a Michael Phelps video game is in the works.

He also appears in a commercial for the video game "Guitar Hero." A new book will be out shortly, as will a documentary with behind the scenes footage of Phelps.

Carlisle predicts that Phelps will earn tens of millions of dollars, perhaps even more than $100 million, in his lifetime. "It’s pretty good for a swimmer," Phelps said, laughing.

Pretty good for a swimmer, and for his pet: even Phelps' dog Herman may cash in. Carlisle says there have been several sponsorship proposals for the dog.

And Michael's mom Debbie got so much airtime at the Olympics, she made a commercial for Johnson & Johnson, and struck a deal with the clothing company Chico’s.

When she heard someone was interesting in having a sponsorship with her, Debbie Phelps says it was "crazy."

[hdinsight]

The video ends with saying, "A tilt of the head helped make Michael Phelps become an Olympic legend." Of course, training non-stop since he was a tadpole might have had a little something to with his aquatic prowess as well.

[librablue-2009]

Michael Phelps is a phenomenal athlete with a beautiful body; I have to give Anderson credit for even getting into the water with him! I adore Anderson, but as a former aerobics instructor I have two words for Anderson''s "trainer: "you''re fired!" Poor Coop looks like Big Bird in this video; let''s hope that the quality of the video is what''s at fault here.

I look forward to watching the interview.

[marupa]

As a serious Anderson Cooper fan, the Uneven Race was heaven to watch. I can''t believe Anderson got in the pool with Michael Phelps and managed to give a good account of himself. Now that the election is over, I hope we seek MANY more contributions from Anderson. Few people have the connection he has to the many places in the world where interesting things are happening, and few are as readily welcomed as an interviewer by so many diverse individuals.

[jweger4]

I had the honor and privilege to watch this Superman
swim in 2003 at the Dual in the Pool in Indianapolis.
All I can say about Michael Phelps is he is one of
the greatest swimmer, and athlete I have ever seen.

[techai]

Mr.cooper
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[techai]

Mr. Cooper,
If you are going to interview someone you might as well know something about them. For example like knowing that Michael Phelps is known for his underwater kick, and actually you could not really have picked a better "stroke" for him to swim. If you would like to race him, your best chance would be to make him do breaststroke since that is his worst stroke.

[dhill401]

I was surprised to find at the beginning and end of this interview you encouraged Michael Phelps to compete against you while holding his breath. I realize he is conditioned and well coached. However kids and adults viewing this interview may feel this is an acceptable technique to swim better. As a Red Cross Lifeguard and Water Safety instructor, I encourage CBS to fill the blanks. "I saw Michael Phelps do it." Swimming pools across the country need to help protect swimmers and allowing hypoxia drills can lead to what happened in the following article.

Swimmer discovers dangers of water blackout
By Laura Elder
The Daily News
Lifesaving Resources Inc. - www.lifesaving.com - 603/563-8330
Published November 23, 2003
GALVESTON %u2014 When Ball High swim team member Stephanie Scofelia was floating face down in the school%u2019s pool during practice, her teammates thought it was a joke.
Scofelia, 15, was just finishing a 50-meter swim under water the evening of Nov. 12, when her teammates saw her floating near the wall of the pool, her arms and legs hanging limply. %u201CI swam to her and flipped her over,%u201D said teammate and friend Anna Hyatt %u201CThat%u2019s when I knew there was a problem.%u201D
Hyatt, 15, and teammate Marissa Streck, 16, pulled a blue and unconscious Scofelia out of the water and called for swim coach Hope Trevino.

[p_a_rice]

Mr. Cooper,
Please consult your dictionary before you use the word "enormity" [as in "The enormity of his achievement still hasn''t completely sunk in."]. I don''t believe you intend to say that Mr. Phelps'' achievement was notable for being outrageously wicked. Let''s keep the usage of this word distinct from "enormous."

[p_a_rice]

Mr. Cooper,
Please consult your dictionary before you use the word "enormity" [as in "The enormity of his achievement still hasn''t completely sunk in."]. I don''t believe you intend to say that Mr. Phelps'' achievement was notable for being outrageously wicked. Let''s keep the usage of this word distinct from "enormous."

[p_a_rice]

Mr. Cooper,
Please consult your dictionary before you use the word "enormity" [as in "The enormity of his achievement still hasn''t completely sunk in."]. I don''t believe you intend to say that Mr. Phelps'' achievement was notable for being outrageously wicked.
Let''s keep the usage of this word distinct from "enormous."

[librablue-2009]

I thought Anderson did a great job with this interview of Phelps. He put a lot into a few minutes. It was interesting to hear how Michael feels about his success a few months after the Olympics.

Without being intrusive, Anderson gave us a little peek into Michael''s personal life by introducing us to Michael''s mother and his dog Herman, he even showed us Michael''s new apartment. We also got some insight into Michael''s training regiment and eating habits as well as his financial future.

I thought it was very professional of Michael to admit how he won the race for his seventh gold medal against Cavic. No matter what, it doesn''t diminish his hard won victory.

To top it off, Anderson even "exposed" himself just for fun in the "uneven race." What more could anyone want?

[swrf35]

Oh Anderson, Don''t call yourself middle-aged. And that race wasn''t fair - you didn''t even have goggles on. I''d ask for a re-match!
Given other Phelps'' interviews I''ve seen - this was excellent - no offense to anyone, but direct questions soliciting Phelps'' limited responses are probably the best for an interview. Well done Anderson.

[stevenst3]

Shame on you 60 minutes for failing to mention that Michael Phelps won 8 gold medals only because of his team mates, specifically Mr. Jason Lezak. If not for Jason''s blistering anchor leg in the 400 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay, Mr. Phelps would have gone home with 6 medals and we would be spared such one-sided stories like this one. Sadly, neither Mr. Phelps nor the interviewer displayed the maturity or grace to even recognize or compliment Mr. Phelps team mates. It should be noted that Mr. Lezak (and others) likely worked just as hard as Mr. Phelps to prepare for the 2008 olympics (i.e., for their whole lives). Furthermore, at age 32, it may have even been a bit more difficult for Mr. Lezak to prepare; did he have numerous sponsors keeping him afloat or did he have to go to a day job? Unfortunately, the corporate world let Mr. Lezak and the other accomplished swim team members of the 2008 games fade into obscurity even though Mr. Lezak and a few others now hold gold medals; Mr. Lezaks were earned from arguably two of the most exciting races in the water cube. That said, those of us at Mr. Lezak''s alma mater (UC Santa Barbara), and most certainly his college coach Gregg Wilson, are really proud, and we wish him all the success he earned.

[avigil2]

To swimgirl9: please learn how to use the mouse by clicking on "Publish" just once.

[hughjastic]

Anderson,
Fun piece. Well done.

Minor points:

1. "an historic"? Really?
2. enormity. It's become ok for people to mistake this word for meaning what it sounds like, but it's original meaning is quite horrible.

Keep up the good work.

an hysterical fan,
hj

[hughjastic]

And then I make my own stupid typo. Heh.

its

[kukini]

Did I see Michael and Anderson in the SUV without seat belts on? If so, shame on the both of you!!