I was wrong on Phelps, admits Thorpe

Aug 19 - Retired Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe, who thought nobody could win eight gold medals at a single Olympics, admits he was proven wrong by Michael Phelps' performance in Beijing.

Australian swimming sensation Ian Thorpe, who won a total of five Olympic gold medals in 2000 and 2004, had doubted that Michael Phelps could win eight golds at one games.

But the American famously proved him wrong and on Tuesday (August 19) Thorpe admitted as much.

Phelps had said that he memorised Thorpe's quote to motivate him for Beijing.

At a charity event, U.S. swimmer Natalie Coughlin, the most decorated female swimmer of Beijing 2008 who won one gold, two silvers and three bronzes, spoke highly of her teammate Phelps.

By winning an unprecedented eight gold medals in Beijing, Phelps instantly became one of the most recognisable sportsmen in the world and his life will never be the same again.

The American was close to exhaustion after swimming 17 races in nine days in Beijing, but he will need even more stamina to get through the next few weeks of celebrations.

He wants to continue swimming at least until the London Olympics, spurning the temptation to retire and enjoy the highlife.

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