Phelps's evolution from restless kid to Olympic titan

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — Michael Phelps, a restless kid who found an outlet for his energy in the water, emerged from the Water Cube pool this week as the greatest Olympian of all time.

The 23-year-old American, who won his unprecedented eight gold medals with seven world records and a personal-best performance that gave him victory by a fingertip, achieved a dream that first began even before he became the youngest man to break a swimming world record at the age of 15.

"The reason why I was so emotional is that I have dreamed of a lot of things and written things down," Phelps said. "This was the biggest thing I have ever written down. Thinking of all the things I have done to get here, everything I have gone through."

Prior to the Games, Phelps rarely discussed...