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Q&A: Michael Phelps on records, Austin Powers and MTV Cribs
By Charlie Snyder // usolympicteam.com // August 15, 2002
When Michael Phelps swam in the Sydney Olympics, he was the youngest man to compete for the U.S. Olympic swim team since 1932. In the spring of 2001, at 15 years, nine months, Phelps became the youngest man to set a world record; breaking the 200m butterfly standard. At the 2002 U.S. Summer Nationals, Phelps broke another world record in the 400m individual medley, won the 200-meter butterfly with the third-fastest performance in history and broke the 200m IM American record. He also finished third in the 200m freestyle, qualifying for the 800m freestyle relay at the Pan Pacific Championships (Aug. 24-29, 2002).
This Q&A occurred during his post-race press conference following the 200m IM and again while he was getting a rubdown following the 200m fly prelims.
Q1: Did you know how close you were to the 200m IM world record?
MICHAEL PHELPS: My first 50, I felt unbelievable. Going to the backstroke, I knew something was going to happen. I was feeling incredible. Then turning into breaststroke, I heard people screaming, so I knew something was going on. So I pretty much just tried to turn it on and give whatever I had.
Q2: Are you pleased with the American record?
MICHAEL PHELPS: I'm very, very pleased about it … I mean, I definitely would have liked to have gone about six-tenths faster. I think for right now I'm definitely pleased about it.
Q3: Was that your goal?
MICHAEL PHELPS: My goal was to break the American record in the 200m IM. We've one goal down and a few events to go (laughs).
Q4: What was going on in your head in the water?
MICHAEL PHELPS: After this morning, my coach Bob (Bowman) just said, "You're going to have to be out after it more." I went after it. I felt my body was so loose. I was so relaxed. The only other tie that really ever happened was in Japan that I felt that good. (breaking the world record and winning at the 2001 World Championships).
Q5: How did you decide to go pro and accept endorsement money?
MICHAEL PHELPS: It was a long thought process. We thought about it for two years. After Sydney, it sort of popped into our minds, then after the first world record, it popped into our minds again. And after the second world record, we said we have to take the opportunity now and did it.
Q6: What were the reasons to turn pro?
MICHAEL PHELPS: Definitely, money was one of them. It gives you more freedom. I think there some restriction with NCAA rules. It gives me more opportunity to do what I want to do. I'm going to go to school at home, so I'll be able to train with my home coach, who got me to where I am now, so hopefully he can take me to the next level.
Q7: What's your favorite movie of late?
MICHAEL PHELPS: The only one I've seen is Austin Powers. I thought it was awesome. I loved it. I saw it twice. It was so funny; it's hysterical.
Q8: What are your hobbies?
MICHAEL PHELPS: I play video games a lot. I go to Best Buy a lot. I like going and looking at all the stuff that is like way expensive. We went the other day and saw this TV that was $13,000. It's just fun going in and looking at all of these high-priced electronics.
Q9: What's your favorite TV show?
MICHAEL PHELPS: I would have to say Cribs, MTV Cribs. It's so cool looking at all of the houses and looking at all of the cars they got.
Q10: Do you have a favorite motivational saying?
MICHAEL PHELPS: Action speaks louder than words.
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