Good-bye, China.
Hello, England.
Michael Phelps boarded a flight from Beijing headed for London on Wednesday, where he’ll help in the hand over of the Summer Games from China to the 2012 host city during Sunday’s closing ceremonies. The greatest swimmer of all-time also will get his first look at England, where the Rodgers Forge resident will try to build on the legend of his eight gold medals he claimed in Beijing.
“I’m just taking everything step by step,” Phelps said, “enjoying the ride.”
Since winning the last of his gold medals on Sunday, Phelps has been on a whirlwind of sponsor and TV appearances in Beijing. He’s even enjoyed some of the city’s nightlife.
“I really want to spend as much time with my friends and family as I can,” the 23-year-old said. “It’s coming up on two months on the road. I want to be able to see them and just relax.”
Phelps and Coach Bob Bowman plan to return to Ann Arbor, Mich., to collect their belongings and be honored during Michigan’s home football game against Wisconsin on Sept. 27.
Then, they’ll move back to Baltimore. Phelps will reside in a downtown condo, as Bowman builds a new home. They’ll resume training at North Baltimore Aquatic Club, where the duo first met when Phelps was a hyperactive 11-year-old.
Phelps plans to attend the Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 1.
“Hopefully, the Ravens are there,” he said.
Shopping is in Phelps’ future, too. After all, he earned a $1 million bonus from his swimsuit sponsor Speedo for winning at least seven gold medals. He said he’s thinking about buying a new car to replace his BMW.
“My friend’s in the car business, so he’s going to help me,” Phelps said. “I’ve been looking at some Aston Martins and some Maseratis. It would be pretty sweet to get an old-school Aston Martin, some of the old-school [James] Bond ones. That would be sick.”
Phelps’ five-month victory lap ends in February, when he resumes serious training.
“I would rather it be three months,” Bowman said. “But I wanted it to be five so that it was probably longer than he wants and when he comes back, he’s really ready to come back.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
[email protected]
