Look Back: Michael Phelps Beijing 2008

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TO GO WITH: Swim-world-USA-Phelps,PROFILTO GO WITH: Swim-world-USA-Phelps,PROFILE by Rebecca Bryan (FILES) In a file picture taken on August 17, 2008 US swimmer Michael Phelps stands on the podium for the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing. Michael Phelps set new standards in Olympic swimming with his eight gold medals in Beijing, and now faces the tricky task of re-setting his goals in the wake of that dazzling display. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: (L-R) Brendan Hansen, Aaron Piersol and Michael Phelps of the United States reacts to winning the gold medal in the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team won the gold medal with a new world record time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: Michael Phelps of the Unites States competes in the butterfly leg of the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay held at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team won the gold medal with a world record time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps (L), BrendanUS swimmers Michael Phelps (L), Brendan Hansen (2nd L), Jason Lezak (2nd R) and Aaron Peirsol (R) pose with their medals on the podium for the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / DDP / AXEL SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read AXEL SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps (L), BrendanUS swimmers Michael Phelps (L), Brendan Hansen (2nd L), Jason Lezak (2nd R) and Aaron Peirsol (R) stand on the podium for the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / DDP / AXEL SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read AXEL SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps swims in theUS swimmers Michael Phelps swims in the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / DDP / AXEL SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read AXEL SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: (L-R) Brendan Hansen, Michael Phelps, Aaron Piersol and Jason Lezak of the United States celebrate their gold medals in the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team set a new world record with a time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: Michael Phelps of the United States celebrates winning the gold medal in the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay held at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team set a new world record with a time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps prepers for tUS swimmers Michael Phelps prepers for the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO/DDP/AXEL SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read AXEL SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmer Michael Phelps (C) is surrounUS swimmer Michael Phelps (C) is surrounded by photographers as he goes into the crowd to greet his family after the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / DDP / AXEL SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read AXEL SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: Michael Phelps of the United States is seen on the jumbotron after receiving his gold medal in the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team set a new world record with a time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: Michael Phelps of the United States greets his family, sisters Whitney and Hilary and mother Debbie, in the stands as he is surrounded by photographers after receiving his gold medal in the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team set a new world record with a time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

US swimmer Michael Phelps laughs duringUS swimmer Michael Phelps laughs during a press conference given as part of a promotional event at the end of the Olympic swimming competition in Beijing on August 18, 2008, as part of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The 23-year-old Phelps won an historic eighth gold medal, surging past yet another Olympic milestone as the United States clinched the men's 4x100m medley relay in world record time. With the victory, Phelps overtook compatriot Mark Spitz, whose seven swimming golds at Munich in 1972 were the most at a single Games. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Beijing During The Olympic GamesBEIJING, CHINA - AUGUST 18: (CHINA OUT) A waitress dressed as a maid in an imperial palace walks past a poster of the US swimmer Michael Phelps on August 18, 2008 in Beijing, China. Michael Phelps becomes the first athlete ever in Olympics' history to win eight gold medals in a single Olympiad. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

US swimmer Michael Phelps reacts after wUS swimmer Michael Phelps reacts after winning the men's 100m butterfly swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 16, 2008. Phelps won the Olympic Games men's 100m butterfly gold medal here. The victory gave him a seventh gold medal here and equalled Mark Spitz's 1972 record. AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU (Photo credit should read MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)

(FILES): This August 17, 2008 file photo(FILES): This August 17, 2008 file photo shows US swimmer Michael Phelps standing on the podium for the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing. USA Swimming suspended Olympic superstar Michael Phelps for three months on February 5, 2009, a "reprimand" after a published photograph showed him apparently smoking marijuana. The national governing body of the sport stressed that the punishment was not for a doping violation, but said they wanted to send a "s trong message" to Phelps about his status as a role model for young people. AFP PHOTO / Files / TIMOTHY CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

(FILES): This August 15, 2008 file photo(FILES): This August 15, 2008 file photo shows US swimmer Michael Phelps reacting after winning the men's 100m butterfly swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing. USA Swimming suspended Olympic superstar Michael Phelps for three months on February 5, 2009, a "reprimand" after a published photograph showed him apparently smoking marijuana. The national governing body of the sport stressed that the punishment was not for a doping violation, but said they wanted to send a "s trong message" to Phelps about his status as a role model for young people. AFP PHOTO / Files / GREG WOOD (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)

(FILES): This August 17, 2008 file photo(FILES): This August 17, 2008 file photo shows US swimmer Michael Phelps competing in the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing. USA Swimming suspended Olympic superstar Michael Phelps for three months on February 5, 2009, a "reprimand" after a published photograph showed him apparently smoking marijuana. The national governing body of the sport stressed that the punishment was not for a doping violation, but said they wanted to send a "s trong message" to Phelps about his status as a role model for young people. AFP PHOTO / Files / MARTIN BUREAU (Photo credit should read MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)

(FILES): This series of eight photograph(FILES): This series of eight photographs shows Michael Phelps of the US displaying the eight gold medals he won at the swimming events during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. USA Swimming suspended Olympic superstar Michael Phelps for three months on February 5, 2009, a "reprimand" after a published photograph showed him apparently smoking marijuana. The national governing body of the sport stressed that the punishment was not for a doping violation, but said they wanted to send a "s trong message" to Phelps about his status as a role model for young people. AFP PHOTO / FILES (Photo credit should read STF/AFP/Getty Images)

Michael Phelps - 8 Gold Medal Portrait SessionBEIJING - AUGUST 18: (NO ITALY SALES - MINIMUM USAGE FEE APPLIES - GBP 500.00) *** EXCLUSIVE ACCESS *** Swimmer Michael Phelps of the United States prepares for a photo shoot with his eight gold medals, all won in competition during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 18, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Speedo Athletes Media CallBEIJING - AUGUST 19: Michael Phelps shakes hands with sculptor Xikun Yuan at the Speedo Sports Club at the Jintai Art Museum on August 19, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Getty Images for Speedo)

Michael Phelps Guests On The NBC Today ShowBEIJING - AUGUST 18: Michael Phelps appears on the NBC Today Show set after after winning eight gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 18, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Kristian Dowling/Getty Images)

Michael Phelps Guests On The NBC Today ShowBEIJING - AUGUST 18: Host Matt Lauer interviews Michael Phelps on the NBC Today Show after the swimmer had won eight gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 18, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps (2nd R), BrenUS swimmers Michael Phelps (2nd R), Brendan Hansen (2nd L), Jason Lezak (R) and Aaron Peirsol (L) pose after the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO/DDP/AXEL SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read AXEL SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmer Michael Phelps competes durinUS swimmer Michael Phelps competes during the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / Michael KAPPELER / DDP (Photo credit should read MICHAEL KAPPELER/AFP/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: (L-R) Aaron Piersol, Brendan Hansen, Michael Phelps and Jason Lezak of the United States celebrate their gold medals in the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team set a new world record with a time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: Michael Phelps of the United States smiles with the American flag as he wears his eighth gold medal after the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Deborah Phelps (L), mother of Michael PhDeborah Phelps (L), mother of Michael Phelps reacts after the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: (L-R) Michael Phelps, Brendan Hansen, Jason Lezak and Aaron Piersol of the United States stand during the National Anthem after receiving their gold medals in the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team set a new world record with a time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: (L-R) Brendan Hansen, Michael Phelps, Aaron Piersol and Jason Lezak of the United States hold their gold medals in the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team set a new world record with a time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Michael Phelps stands on the podium forMichael Phelps stands on the podium for the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: Michael Phelps of the United States smiles as he wears his eighth gold medal after the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team set a new world record with a time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps (2nd L), AaroUS swimmers Michael Phelps (2nd L), Aaron Peirsol (R) and Brendan Hansen (2nd R) and Jason Lezak react during the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps (R), Aaron PeUS swimmers Michael Phelps (R), Aaron Peirsol (C) and Brendan Hansen (L) react during the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: Michael Phelps of the United States celebrates after winning the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay with his team at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team set a new world record with a time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

US swimmer Michael Phelps competes in thUS swimmer Michael Phelps competes in the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / Michael KAPPELER / DDP (Photo MICHAEL KAPPELER/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps (2nd R), BrenUS swimmers Michael Phelps (2nd R), Brendan Hansen (2nd L), Jason Lezak (R) and Aaron Peirsol (L) pose after the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / GREG WOOD (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps (L), BrendanUS swimmers Michael Phelps (L), Brendan Hansen (2nd L), Jason Lezak (2nd L) and Aaron Peirsol (R) pose during the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

Olympics Day 9 - SwimmingBEIJING - AUGUST 17: (L-R) Michael Phelps, Brendan Hansen, Jason Lezak and Aaron Piersol of the United States stand on the podium after receiving their gold medals in the Men's 4x100 Medley Relay at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. The United States team set a new world record with a time of 3:29:34. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

US swimmer Michael Phelps competes durinUS swimmer Michael Phelps competes during the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU (Photo credit should read MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps poses after tUS swimmers Michael Phelps poses after the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT (Photo credit should read FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmer Michael Phelps competes in thUS swimmer Michael Phelps competes in the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / PEDRO UGARTE (Photo credit should read PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmer Michael Phelps celebrates vicUS swimmer Michael Phelps celebrates victory in the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU (Photo credit should read MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmer Michael Phelps reacts after tUS swimmer Michael Phelps reacts after the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo by CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmers Michael Phelps (L), BrendanUS swimmers Michael Phelps (L), Brendan Hansen (2nd L), Jason Lezak (2nd R), Aaron Peirsol (R) stand on the podium for the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

US swimmer Michael Phelps stands on theUS swimmer Michael Phelps stands on the podium during the men's 4 x 100m medley relay swimming final medal ceremony at the National Aquatics Center during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 17, 2008. Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals at the same Olympics when the US won the men's 4x100m medley relay final in a new world record time. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)