Phelps gets rock star reception

Aug 18 - Phelps frenzy is on in Beijing with fans chasing and surrounding the Olympic hero wherever he goes.

On Monday (August 18) hundreds of people flocked to an Olympic sponsor's pavilion in Beijing in an attempt to catch a glimpse of their Olympic hero American swimmer Michael Phelps.

A day after Phelps won his eighth gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, making him the most successful swimmer and Olympian of all time, corporate executives emerged with plans to capitalise on his unparalleled achievement.

It was estimated that Phelps' sponsorship deals earn him about $5 million a year but his success at the 2008 Games following on from his six gold medals gained at the 2004 Games have put him in a different league. He now seems certain to become the richest swimmer ever.

Soundbite: