Phelps launches final march to Beijing at US trials

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

OMAHA, Nebraska (AFP) — Michael Phelps's bid to surpass Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in one Olympics begins in earnest here on Sunday when he launches an ambitious programme at the US swimming trials.

But the aw-shucks superstar, who still mumbles sheepishly when quizzed about his effect on fawning female fans, insisted on Friday that he wasn't even sure just which events his coach Bob Bowman had pointed him toward.

"I don't even know what I'm entered in, to be honest," said Phelps, who was in fact entered in nine out of 13 men's events in the eight-day meet, which will be swum in a temporary pool at the Qwest Center arena.

Phelps said he left those decisions to longtime mentor Bowman.

"I guess we'll just go day by day," said the swimmer,...