When Michael Phelps parades through the streets on Saturday afternoon, it will mark his latest victory lap.
Phelps, 23, is enjoying his stardom. The Rodgers Forge resident has had a parade in his honor at Disney World, hosted “Saturday Night Live,” been a guest at the MTV Video Music Awards and is expected to have a cameo on the season finale of HBO’s “Entourage.”
He even has started his own charity, the Michael Phelps Foundation. The nonprofit promotes healthy, active lifestyles in children, especially through swimming. Phelps started his organization with the $1 million bonus he received from Speedo after tying — and later breaking — Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics.
“Getting back to Baltimore is an exciting time,” he said. “I’m happy to be back.”
Phelps returned to Charm City last week when Kellogg Co. announced the swimming superstar would appear on Frosted Flakes, Corn Flakes, Club Crackers and Rice Krispies Treats.
The 14-time Olympic gold medalist also received a $250,000 donation from Kellogg’s Corporate Citizenship Fund for his charity.
“I want to grow the sport of swimming,” Phelps said. “That’s the biggest thing I want to do right now — and I think it’s already started. Baltimore is going to be a good spot to train and rest for the next couple years for me.”
The Meadowbrook Aquatic Center in Mount Washington is where Phelps began swimming as a child. Phelps eventually joined the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, where he paired with coach Bob Bowman to take his swimming to a world-class level.
Phelps has been in negotiations to purchase the facility. He plans to train in Baltimore with Bowman in preparation for the 2012 games in London, where he will chase the all-time record of 18 medals held by former Soviet gymnast Larissa Latynina.
“If a kid does look up to me, it’s an honor to be able to be someone they really admire and hope to follow,” he said. “I would love to do anything I can to help a kid reach their dreams and goals.”
After Saturday’s celebration, Phelps will begin settling into his million-dollar home in Fells Point.
“I kind of get lost from time to time,” he said with a laugh. “I have no idea what the roads are anymore.”
Phelps does, however, keep one part of Baltimore close to him at all times: the Ravens.
“[Joe] Flacco looks like he’s playing well, a real smart quarterback,” he said. “The defense looks sick and [running back Willis] McGahee is starting to line up a little bit. They definitely look good.”
