Phelps looking ahead for bigger goals

BEIJING, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. Olympic swimming superstar Michael Phelps has his eight gold medals and now looks forward to new goals for himself and the sport.

Turning the international attention he has drawn into long-term benefits for swimming is his first goal, Phelps told The New York Times Monday.

“My whole goal is to change the sport of swimming in a positive way,” Phelps said, adding, “I think it can go even farther. That’s where I hope to take it.”

Maintaining media attention may be key to his plans.

“I don’t want this sport to be an every-four-years sport,” said Phelps, who also announced he plans to compete at the 2012 Olympics in London. “In between the four years, there’s really not as much exposure as I’d like.”

On a competitive level, Phelps is also looking for new challenges. In particular, he envisions himself as more of an aquatic sprinter -- perhaps eliminating longer and physically challenging races such as the butterfly from his repertoire, The Washington Post reported Monday.

"I'm looking forward to trying some new events," Phelps said.