Olympic legend U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps announced on the Today Show on September 2, 2008 that he will use some of the $1 million bonus he earned from Speedo for tying Mark Spitz’s 36-year record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics Games to start a foundation to encourage swimming programs.
Phelps earned the bonus from Speedo after he tied Spitz’s 36-year record of seven gold medals in a single Games. He then beat the mark, winning eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics last month.
This morning, the 23-year-old Baltimorean told NBC‘s “Today Show” host Matt Lauer that he will travel to eight cities in the United States to promote swimming among children.
Warnaco CEO Joe Gromek presents Michael Phelps with a $1 million bonus check from Speedo for winning eight gold medals during the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics
The brief TV announcement did not address whether his plans to promote swimming would involve buying North Baltimore Aquatic Club’s Meadowbrook pool. Last month, Phelps told NBC’s Nightly News that he and coach Bob Bowman had bought a pool in Baltimore and were looking to change the sport of swimming. Bowman was named NBAC’s chief executive officer and is expected to start the job this month.
Source: Phelps to start swimming foundation
Photo credit: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America
Michael Phelps Today Show announcement video – September 2, 2008
A few days ago, August 28, 2008, Michael Phelps partnered with Visa to help introduce NYC children to swimming at the YMCA of Greater New York.
Olympic icon Michael Phelps splashed down in the city on Thursday – and left a trail of spellbound school-aged swimmers in his wake.
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Phelps appeared at the YMCA on W. 14th St. before a phalanx of TV cameras to present a $20,000 check from Visa to support youth swimming programs.
The winner of a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics said he was anxious over his upcoming appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He’s hosting the show Sept. 13.
“I hope I’m literally not a fish out of water in that one,” Phelps said, noting that his friends would be in the audience to provide the laughs, if no one else did.
Source: Olympic hero Michael Phelps makes big splash with New York City kids
Photos: Michael Phelps teaching children to swim at Greater NYC YMCA, August 28, 2008. Photo credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America
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Video & Photos: Michael Phelps Announcement – New Swimming Foundation (Today Show Video) 9-2-08
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