Thursday, October 07, 2004

YAY! RICH NEWS!

It is wonderful to see a hoard of news about Michael Phelps!!!

News One: Transcript of Disney's Live Question and Answer session on 25th September.

Gold medalists Michael Phelps, Lenny Krayzelburg and Ian Crocker recently took time from their cross-country "Disney's Swim With the Stars" tour to answer your questions. Dive below the surface with these swimming heroes and check out the transcript from their interview on September 25, 2004.

Disneyland: Welcome. It's not every day that you get a chance to chat with a real Olympic champion. Right now, we will be chatting with three of them! This is a live chat with U.S. Olympic swimming gold-medalists Michael Phelps, Lenny Krayzelburg and Ian Crocker, who between them earned 8 gold and 2 bronze medals at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Adrienne: Michael, Lenny, Ian: If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Lenny: Definitely an elephant because of the size of the animal, and also it's a symbol of luck. So it's my favorite animal.
Ian: I'd want to be a large cat, like a cheetah because I like cats and I like speed!
Michael: I would be a fish. I love the water. Maybe a dolphin. (President's note: YES! *punches fists into air*)

Martha: MP, Lenny and Ian, silly question, but I have to ask: All three of you spend a lot of time in the water, swimming, training, etc., What do you three do, or what do you use to keep your skin healthy and keep it from drying?
Michael: I'm used to the water, so my skin doesn't dry that much. With the amount of time we spend in the water, we're used to the chlorine so it doesn't really bother me.
Lenny: I use lotion all the time after practice to take care of the dryness. I swim a lot outside, and the combination of sun and chlorine is not good for the skin.
Ian: I think Michael said he just gets used to it and doesn't use anything. I've never used lotion either, just a normal shower after practice.

Buggy: Hi Michael, Ian and Lenny. My little boy is five and a half, and loves to swim. He has been in the water ever since he was 2 years old. What would be the best thing for him to pursue swimming? He so wants a pool in the backyard but we can't afford one, so I take him to the Palm Park pool were he loves to swim.
Ian: Try and find a club team that he can swim around with. At that age, they're not doing a lot of hard dedicated work, it's more just swimming with friends and socializing, which is obviously something he likes.

Adrienne: Michael, Lenny, Ian: What was the strangest thing you encountered while on the tour so far?
Michael: I've seen a few interesting T-shirts that people have made with slogans and our pictures on them. I saw one last night that said "I want to be like Mike" and had a picture of me on it. That's been the most interesting thing I've seen.
Lenny: I don't know if there's anything "weird" that has happened on this trip, but on a positive note, the reception we've had has been incredible. That's something none of us ever expected: the excitement, the number of people that show up, and the excitement they show during shows.
Ian: Along the same lines as what Lenny said, probably one of the funnier things is the things people ask you to sign. People ask us to sign their shoes, socks, cell phones. You try not to smell the sock when you're signing it!

Sigma: What does it feel like to be standing on the gold-medal stand, watching as the American flag is raised and the National Anthem is played?
Michael: It's absolutely incredible, the greatest feeling I've ever had. Whenever I was on the medal stand, I'd always be trying to find my family in the stand and seeing the smiles on their face, hearing the National Anthem, was amazing. For me, the past four years of training go through my mind, and it's all worth it.
Lenny: It's obviously a very special feeling knowing that you've accomplished something you've worked so hard for. It's rare in life that we get to do something where we see results in front of everyone else, and knowing you're reached the top in something you do is probably the greatest thing you can experience in life.
Ian: It was a special moment being on the podium, hearing that National Anthem and hearing the Americans in the crowd singing along with the anthem. You could hear them all like they were a group, and that made it a really special experience.

Laura: At twelve, I was a state record holder and winning most of my events. At 13, I haven't come within 5 seconds of my best times. It's been 11 months, not only without a time drop, but with time added. Do you have any advice on how to get through this slump?
Michael: I think everyone goes through a period like that. But the most important thing is to try to stay positive. That's the best time to stay positive and make sure you're focusing on your goals. Nothing will come easy in anything you do, so keep trying and keep your mind positive. That's what you should try to do.
Lenny: The thing I can recommend is maybe to take some time off, and just kind of recharge the battery. Maybe go play other sports, maybe hang out with your friends. But get your mind off it for some time. That way you get the hunger, the excitement back and you'll come back with a different attitude. You might come out of the slump, but no matter how long it lasts, it's about ups and downs and eventually you'll see the upswing if you're willing to continue.

Adrienne: Are the screams of teenage girls overwhelming?
Michael: One of the things I've noticed when I'm introduced in the show is that sometimes I can't even talk, there are so many people and they're screaming and yelling - it's awesome! It's so great to get the amount of support we're getting on the tour. I never really thought that any of this would happen, so it's all kind of new for me. It's kinda cool from all angles!
Ian: I think it's special to hear fans screaming and know they're excited about seeing us. At a swim meet, there's no telling who people are cheering for, but it's always great when there are lots of people there who are excited about your accomplishments.

Stephanie: Is there anything unique or special that you do to prepare for meets?
Lenny: Most of the preparedness happens during training every single day, so it's all about getting to a meet and being as relaxed as possible. Personally, I just try to stay in the crowd of people, just talking so my mind doesn't think only about swimming. That helps me to relax. And at this level, we all know what needs to be done once we jump in the pool.
Ian: I try and just relax and reflect on all the work I've done in the past season. That's one of the most important things, remembering your goals and how to swim your races. It's also important to get your mind off racing before you race sometimes.
Michael: I like to get in my own world. When I'm getting ready for a meet, I always have headphones on, listening to rap music to get myself fired up.

Aurora from Spain: Aren't you frustrated that swimming only gets wide coverage at the Olympics or world championships?
Michael: Right now, considering how the US team did in Athens, I think it's going to be an incredible few years and with the help of Disney and the other major sponsors for the tour, I think it will be one of the biggest sports of the year. With all we've done, there will be a lot of attention paid to swimming in the next few years.

Questions for Michael
Mallory: Michael, for the people who didn't get to see you at the Swim with the Stars clinics, are there any plans for another tour, or are there any other commercial deals coming up?
Michael: We hope there will be another tour. This was the first of its kind, and we wanted to see how it went. It was good!

Calla: Michael, I noticed you and Ian Thorpe shared a laugh in the room before your race. What did you two say to each other?
Michael: Nothing really - we were both just focused on what we had to do, which was swim as fast as we could.

Happyface: Michael, did you talk with anyone regarding your decision to let Ian swim the relay, or was it something you decided on your own?
Michael: It was a decision that I thought about, and I made the final decision. I wanted him to really prove what he could do, and he led the team to a gold medal and a world record.

Barlow Girl: Michael, it's so sweet how close you are to your mom. What do you admire most about her?
Michael: Just the type of woman she is. She raised me from a little boy pretty much single handed. I've been living just with her for about 12 years now, and she raised me to be the man I am today. She's been an incredible help for the last 19 years.

Bridget: Hi, my question is for Michael. I've read that you are the youngest in your family. If you asked your sisters today, would they describe you as a typical annoying little brother, or did you always get along well with them?
Michael: When we were growing up, we got along; we were just very outgoing with each other. But now we're so close as a family. We have a blast together.

Future Olympian: Michael, I watched every race you participated in in Athens. In all your interviews you said you could barely sleep. Did that have an effect on your races?
Michael: With the environment we were in, it was hard to really get some sleep. You're so excited, there's so much adrenaline. But you're at the Olympics, so you can take one race and just have a blast with it.

Mara: Michael, you are going to be an assistant coach at University of Michigan, and you love to work with kids; do you see yourself becoming a full-time coach once you're finished swimming competitively?
Michael: I'm not sure. I'm going to be a volunteer at the University of Michigan, and hopefully I can help them somehow. With all I've learned over the past five years, I hope I can pass some of that on to them. For the future, I'm not sure where things will lead. But I will say "Go Blue!"

Brit: Michael, first off, I loved watching you in Athens. I was wondering if you are looking forward to coming to U of M and what types of classes you are taking. Thanks a lot!
Michael: I am. It's going to be a good change for me to get out on my own and experience the complex a bit and see how things are. I love sports. I'd love to stay in sports management and be really involved in sports over the next few years. (President's note: Anyone going there next year?)

Phelps Fan17: Michael, what team do you usually like to be on NHL Hitz? And I was wondering if you three play video games together and who usually wins.
Michael: I haven't played too much NHL Hitz recently, mostly Madden. Lenny can't hang with me in Madden! We have a lot of fun, and we all just sort of fool around with Madden.

Jena: Michael, will you ever come to Pittsburgh, PA?
Michael: I don't know - no idea if I'll be in Pittsburgh any time soon.

Kaylee: Michael, what's your favorite food?
Michael: I love ice cream! I'm a huge ice cream fan, and I pretty much eat anything so I can cram stuff into my system as quickly as possible.

Erica: Michael, I am an admirer of yours, and I am inspired by your races in Athens. It has inspired me to go for the gold. Hope to see you in 2008!
Michael: Thanks Erica!

Agnes: Michael, now that you have 6 gold medals, how does it affect your mindset now with regards to competitiveness? Are you more or less competitive?
Michael: I'm the same place I was before. I love to race, I love to compete. I hope to have lots of opportunities to race with people, and get the best out of everyone in the water.

Rickey: I am the father of 3 young girls. You have become their hero. What would you like to say to all those who call you their hero?
Michael: It's incredible, absolutely amazing to be able to have someone look up to you to hope to do something you've done. It's definitely a great feeling that's very memorable.

Loving Phelps: Michael, are you enjoying this tour even though you're away from your family?
Michael: I love it! It's a great thing for the sport of swimming, and we haven't really had that many opportunities to get swimming to a new level. I think we're raising the bar for the sport of swimming, and it definitely will help. Disney's been a great help in supporting us through this whole thing.

Annalise: Michael, what is your favorite thing about touring the country and meeting new people?
Michael: This is my first time around the country by bus, so it's kind of fun. I've never been able to really witness all the states. One of the coolest things was when we were driving through the Rockies - we got some pretty sweet pictures. And when we get to a venue, we have so much support from the fans. It's sold out, there's yelling and screaming, so it makes us have more fun because of it. The enthusiasm the fans show is just amazing.

Annaven: Simple and ordinary question for you, Michael - what is you favorite book?
Michael: I just read a book called "Bringing Down the House" which is about students who learn card counting. I couldn't put it down. In school, my favorite book was "Of Mice and Men." (President's note: I am SO sure it's going to be a best seller in no time. For everyone's convenience, the book Bringing Down the House is by Ben Mezrich, for the price listings of it, check here.)

Michael Phelps Is Hot: Michael, how does it feel to have a street named after you and a key to the country?
Michael: LOL! It was kind of neat when I heard about the street near my school being named Michael Phelps Way. It's great how the city of Baltimore has really been behind me.

Honda Girl: Michael, we've all heard about your Escalade and how you've had it customized. Do you plan on doing any performance mods to it or any future cars you might buy?
Michael: I'm interested in some other cars. I saw a Range Rover the other day on the road, and it's a car that stuck out for me. I want to test drive it when I get home, and also a Cadillac Seville. I don't plan to do anything to the Escalade performance-wise, maybe just a sound system.

Julie: Michael, is there a story behind the misspelling of your name on the jacket you wore in the Vanity Fair shoot, or was the wardrobe person just not paying attention?
Michael: I have no idea! We noticed it after we were done the shoot, so I guess they just used it. I'm not sure if they noticed it, but I saw it when I got home and took the jacket off and it was misspelled.

Alli From Cali: I heard that in the tour finale in California there will be a special guest. Anyone want to clarify?
Michael: I'm not sure who the special guest will be, sorry.

Questions for Lenny
Donna: Lenny, what do you like most about the United States?
Lenny: Obviously this is the land of opportunity. This country allows you to be successful, so it's up to the individual to decide what life path you want to take and what you want to accomplish in life.

Gabby: Lenny, what were your biggest challenges when you first came to the US?
Lenny: When I first came to the US, there were challenges in not being able to speak the language, not understanding what people were asking me, having to adjust to the culture. Trying to understand American culture was very hard for me. Swimming was a great avenue for me. I could learn all about the American environment, and become Americanized a little faster than other immigrants who come to this country can.

Astrayan Lover: Lenny, while recovering from shoulder surgery, what kind of exercise did you do, and how long did it take to let you swim without any trouble?
Lenny: Unfortunately I was never feeling 100 percent after the shoulder surgeries. It took 3-4 months to feel comfortable, 12 weeks before I could even get in the water. And then it was really slow during rehab. There were a lot of exercises to strengthen the muscles in the shoulder, as well as the bigger muscles surrounding the shoulder to help protect it. So it was a total of 6-8 months before I could really work it. My advice, if you're having surgery, is to be patient with the rehab. If you jump back in too fast, you'll re-injure it.

Astrayan Lover: What made you choose between the different strokes and your pet events?
Lenny: When I was 8 or 9, I started to swim seriously and my coach at that time felt the backstroke was the one I should swim. He felt I looked most comfortable on my back, and my stroke was technically the best. So I just continued, and tried to make that particular stroke my best.

Aurora from Spain: Hi Lenny! I've heard the way you trained back in Russia was way different - care to elaborate on that? Also, do you keep in touch with the friends you had there? Thanks!
Lenny: No, I don't keep in touch with my friends in Russia. I left when I was 13, so many of them have gone on different paths. I have visited quite often, and have seem some of them. In fact, 3 years ago we had a reunion in Odessa, with about 35 of us. These were people I hadn't seen in about 13 years. In terms of the training style, yes, it's different there. There's more intensity at a young age, training 5 hours at young ages like 9 or 10. That's part of the sports culture back there.

Arugula: Lenny, how did your experience at the 2004 Games compare to the 2000 Games?
Lenny: The experiences were different - in 2000 I won 3 golds and was the favorite going into the Games so the expectations were high. But during those Games, the pressure was so high I didn't really enjoy the Games. This time, there was less expectation on me (although I had high expectations for myself). I felt I embraced the Games more, and I enjoyed it more.

Sweetpea Jen3655: Lenny, how did it feel when you heard you were one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People?
Lenny: It was funny, and obviously a pretty cool thing. The way I look at it, it's a popularity contest and how much people - the agents, the company that represents you -are able to promote you.. Being the year of the Olympics, there was a lot of attention on me because of the multiple medals I was expected to win, so I think that helped me get into the People list.

Sweetpea Jen3655: Lenny, my dad is also a naturalized citizen. Did this bring a special meaning to being on the Olympic team?
Lenny: Definitely a special feeling representing the US, and not being born in this country. Being able to represent this country in the international arena is definitely humbling, and a very special experience to go through.

Shelly: I am from the Baltimore area and coach many sports. I wanted to know if there was anything your coaches did while you were growing up that truly motivated you to work harder?
Lenny: There's no question that when I was younger I was pushed quite a bit. I was challenged, and I really liked that. But I feel there's a fine line between that and challenging a child too much. Challenging an athlete is extremely important. Kids at a young age need to know that in any walk of life, the characteristics of hard work and commitment will help them. The more they learn that, the more it will help them. Supporting them during their quest is extremely important as a coach.

Maven: When you guys were finished with all your events, did you feel a sense of relief, or was there a letdown of any kind?
Lenny: There was a relief, knowing you went to the Olympics and did well. You dream about the Olympic Games when you're at this level and when you get the special opportunity to go, it's a dream come true. You work hard for so long to accomplish that, so you can relax a bit and enjoy the moment after it's over.

Elissa: I am 16 now and I LOVE to swim. But there is only one thing - I want to be faster than I am. A lot of the younger girls are faster than me and I want to be up to their level. I know I should practice more but I don't have time with my job and all. Is there anything that I can do during the practice time I do have to make myself better than what I am? If it helps any, my fastest 100 free time is 1 minute 4 seconds.
Lenny: The way I look at it, you should only compare yourself to yourself. Everyone goes through a different development process. For me, I didn't get really good until I was 20! So be patient, and really believe in yourself. I think that's the most important.

Questions for Ian
Swmangel247: Ian, what are some tips on making my fly faster? I go 1.18.56 in the 100 yard fly. Ian: One of the most important things in fly is getting your stroke time right, getting one kick when your hands are entering the water and one kick when they're exiting the water. Try to get your hips going. Kick, not the arms, is the most important part of butterfly and I think a lot of people miss that.

Mary: Ian, how will you resume your college studies with all of the training and competing?
Ian: When I get back to the University of Texas, I'll continue training and in January I'll try to finish my degree. But overall, trying to balance school and swimming is difficult. It takes a lot of time management and remembering your goals in the water and also in the academic world.

Deanne: Ian, what are you studying in school?
Ian: I'm a kinesiology major with a business foundations minor. I chose that in case I want to go into coaching, because I'd like to always be connected to swimming in some way.

SloRyd: Ian, do you have a close relationship with teammates Brendan Hansen and Aaron Peirsol, and will you continue to train together even now that you've graduated?
Ian: Brendan and Aaron and I are all good friends. One of the things that makes it so special is that we all have similar goals, so we understand how much dedication and hard work it's going to take to obtain those goals, and sometimes there aren't a lot of people who do understand that So that makes a pretty good bond. And we'll continue to train at the University of Texas even after graduation, because we all feel it's the best place for us.

Creampuff: Ian, how did you learn that Michael gave you his spot on the relay and did it add any pressure to your performance?
Ian: I found out through one of the managers, because it was late at night after the individual 100 butterfly, and the coaches were in press conferences and the swimmers had all left. I got out of the drug test after my swim, and was told I was going to be on the relay the following night. It was a shock, because I hadn't anticipated being able to be on the relay if I was the second fastest American. I don't feel it put pressure on me. I saw it as another opportunity, and I was glad to get up there with Brendan Hansen and Aaron Peirsol to represent my country at the highest level of swimming.

HSFCat: Ian, do you believe in miracles?
Ian: I believe in divine intervention. I think everything happens for a reason. A lot of times, people get what they deserve. Especially in the sport of swimming, you get out what you put in.

Honda Girl: Ian, has Berta been completely restored? Are you getting another car soon?
Ian: If I had my way, I'd have a giant climate -controlled barn in Texas to collect cars! Yes, Berta's almost done - she's looking good. But I'm not sure if I'll be buying another car. I've got too many toys already!

Astrayan Lover: Ian, does your cat live indoors? Does he/she prefer acoustic or electric guitar? ; )
Ian: I actually have 2 cats, and my girlfriend just rescued another cat yesterday, so we brought it up to 3 yesterday. They're now all indoor cats, because there's a nature preserve behind my house with foxes. It's much easier with the fleas too! One of them likes acoustic guitar when I play and sing to her. Murphy is scared to death of all guitars - any time I pick one up, he runs.

Aurora from Spain: Hi Ian! You are an amazing swimmer but also a talented singer. I've heard your song "Come On" and you are quite good. Have your written/recorded any other music? Thanks!
Ian: No, that was actually the first opportunity I had to play around with music in a studio. I'd like to do it again when I have more time and more people to go into the studio with me.

Sarah: When will you be at Disneyland and are we allowed to take our picture with you guys?
Ian: Certainly, there will be times for pictures and autographs at Disney. We're going to have a pool built on Main Street at Disneyland.

Randy: How are you preparing for the SC World Champs while you have been on the road for so long? Will you be ready?
Ian: We've been training as much as we can. When we get to a city, we find a pool. Michael's been getting workouts from his coach at home, and I have a basic skeleton of a workout so I can add what I want. We've been using the demos at the shows as sprint work, so it works out nicely and I think we'll be as ready as we can.

Sarah: What did you want to before becoming a swimmer? Did it just happen or did you dream of becoming a swimmer ever since you were a child?
Ian: I started swimming when I was 8. I don't think I ever had any dreams before I started swimming. Swimming took care of that when I realized what the potential was and what I wanted to go for.

Kathleen: How old were you when you participated in your first swimming meet?
Ian: I was 8. It was the first season that I started. I remember a time trial before the first meet, to get us used to what racing was going to be like. But I don't remember the meet itself.

Morgan: How long have you guys been swimming for? Are you interested in surfing or learning how to surf?
Ian: I like all things related to water, so yes, surfing sounds like it would be a lot of fun. Aaron Peirsol surfs and raves about it, so maybe I'll try it.

Disneyland: Thank you so much for this chat! Unfortunately, we are almost out of time. Do you have any parting words for our audience?

Michael: We can hardly wait until we get to Disneyland! Go Blue!
Ian: Hook'em!
Lenny: Victory for Trojans! Right on!

(President's note: I gotta add a disclaimer that I really mean NOTHING by putting Lenny's speech in pastel purple! It's nice!)

In the Disney Tour, I saw this article that has Michael Phelps summing the tour up in a really cute way:

The visit to the Disneyland Resort culminates the swimmers' cross-country "Disney's Swim with the Stars" tour. Arriving directly from Athens, Phelps, Crocker and Krayzelburg participated in a series of personal appearances at local schools, meeting and greeting hundreds of children, and starring in a first-of-its-kind, two-hour swimming celebration show in each city.

"Winning the gold in Greece was a dream come true but going on this tour with Ian and Lenny and meeting the young swimming stars of tomorrow has been simply incredible," said Phelps. "It seems only fitting that we end our tour and Olympic journey at 'The Happiest Place on Earth.'"


News Two: Back to the pool, but...

This article is about Michael Phelps having spent too much time out of water, and he may not perform very well in the coming event in Indianapolis.


Michael Phelps at an interview in Indianapolis. Posted by Hello

"It's more of a mental thing than a physical thing," said Peirsol, who won three gold medals in Athens. "After the Olympics there's a tendency (to think) you've done it and what can top that."

Every time Phelps, who won eight medals at the Athens Olympics, touches a starting block now, the American sports public will assume he can turn the race into gold.

But at the short-course worlds, where Phelps plans to swim in five individual events, gold medals won't be a given. His life since the Olympics has been a string of appearances rather than a steady diet of training laps, and short-course swimming isn't his strong suit. Phelps went to Athens with the stated goal of winning one gold medal. He won six golds and two bronzes. For this meet, he hasn't voiced any personal expectations.

"Just having the opportunity to swim in front of a home crowd is the most important thing," he said.

Phelps does his best in long-course meets (held in 50-meter pools) such as the Olympics, not 25-meter pools.

"In short course there are more turns, which aren't really my forte," Phelps said.

Phelps tends to build his speed throughout a race, Australian swim coach Leigh Nugent noted. That is difficult to do in 25-meter pools, where the 400-meter individual medley — usually one of Phelps' strongest events — requires 15 turns instead of seven.

"If you're not a very good turner, the momentum's going to be hard to keep going throughout the race," Phelps said.

Phelps will compete in the 100, 200 and 400 individual medleys, as well as the 200 free and 200 fly. He's also likely to swim in up to three relays.

For the last month, Phelps has been on a cross-country tour with U.S. Olympic teammates Ian Crocker and Lenny Krayzelburg. Phelps hasn't swum more than 5,000 meters in a day, a mark he often meets or surpasses in regular training.


The full article is here.

News Three: Michael Phelps to help raise funds for MMS!

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Michael Phelps will be holding a swim clinic for children later this month in the Upstate.

He'll spend about three hours on October 23rd at the Middle Tyger YMCA in Duncan. The demonstration will raise money for Mobile Meals of Spartanburg.

Swimmers between the ages of six and 18 can buy an hour of pool time with Phelps for one hundred dollars. Each tax deductible donation also allows two spectators to accompany each swimmer. Spectator spots also can be purchased for one hundred dollars.

Officials expect the visit to raise as much as $50,000 for the organization.


Full article here.

News Four: Here comes an old challenger!

This is a really funny article about James Hickman, who is trying to win a fifth World short-course title in America, but is hindered by none other than our Michael Phelps!

Swimming: Legend blocks James' bid for record
Trevor Baxter

JUST one obstacle stands between James Hickman and a record fifth World short-course title in America this week - and he's called Michael Phelps.

MEN columnist Hickman is in Indianapolis chasing a nap hand of titles in the 200 metres butterfly.

But that brings him into direct confrontation with swimming legend Phelps, who returned from the Olympic Games last month with six gold medals.

"I'd love to win the title for the fifth time but I know I'm going to have my work cut out beating the likes of Michael Phelps, who will be swimming in front of his home crowd," said Hickman.

"But this will be my last chance of getting that fifth title and I'll be giving it my all."

Hickman won his first world short-course crown in 1997 and his last one two years ago. He was also successful in 1999 and 2000.

The City of Manchester Aquatics star qualified for the championships in his home pool, breaking the British record in the 100 metres butterfly.

However, it will take something special to prevent Phelps adding to his Athens haul.


Ok everyone. Sadly I've gotta halt my updates again until 26th November, where I shall, once again, be a free soul from the gates of examination hell. But I'd probably log in once in a while, hahaha... So as a special treat, I'm including this photo spread from my folder (I just realised I took them and forgot about it.) Do EnJoy, take care and smiles!

-xtina, MPC President-




Michael Phelps warming up! Posted by Hello


I suspect the guy behind is gay. Kidding. Posted by Hello


In the Chinese news. The captions translate roughly to: swimming, males, 100m butterfly finals, Miracle boy to Golden Boy, Phelps firmly takes his 5th gold. Posted by Hello


Wins it! Posted by Hello


Cute? Posted by Hello


Cuter? Posted by Hello


CUTEST! Posted by Hello