BALTIMORE (WJZ)— Maryland honored its Olympians and Paralympians including Michael Phelps Monday afternoon. Adam May takes us to the celebration.

Michael Phelps and other Marylanders who competed in the Olympics were honored at a celebration at the Inner Harbor.

“This is the best city to be a part of. You support me in the city, county, the state. I can’t thank you enough for the support you’ve given me throughout my career,” Michael Phelps said.

Born in Towson, Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in history. He won 22 medals; 18 of them gold.

“If you work hard every day, you can not only compete but you can win,” said Governor Martin O’Malley.

Phelps is a big hit with parents.

“I’m a mother and I would be so proud if that was my boy,” said Nancy Percivall.

“My daughter’s autistic and I thought it would be a good idea to see someone else and know anyone can do it,” said another attendee.

“He represented Baltimore and the country extremely well,” said Rosann Curran.

Eearlier in the day at Under Armour, Phelps was asked to describe Baltimore.

“There’s not one word you can say about Baltimore. We have the best fans, the best food. It’s my home, the place I love to be the most and the place I look forward to spending more and more of my time,” Phelps said.

Michael Phelps still lives in the city and swims at one of the local pools for fun.

All the Olympians got a key to Baltimore and a silver War of 1812 coin.

To see a slideshow, click here.