ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- American swimming superstar Michael Phelps said Sunday he was about to take a week off for the first time in his entire career.
"It will be the first week off I have ever had from swimming," he said after completing a record eight-medal Olympic performance. "I am going to try and catch some other venues, some other sports."
Phelps became the first athlete in any sport to win eight medals in a single Olympics. Six of them were golds, one of which he won without competing in the final.
Phelps swam on the U.S. medley relay team in the semifinals, then gave his spot in the final to butterfly rival Ian Crocker.
"It is unbelievable, but it is starting to sink in more and more," he said. "It is everything I wanted, everything I ever dreamed of."
Phelps will attend the University of Michigan and plans to compete through at least the Beijing Games in 2008.
"We are going to swim the events we think we can improve on for 2008 and which offer the best chance of success," Phelps said. "I hope to swim for another eight to 10 years."
