Olympic Champion Michael Phelps Looks To The Future

His record breaking and "perfect" career at an end, Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps is looking forward to the next stage of his life.

 

Meanwhile Chad le Clos, the man who could take over his mantle as the sport's superstar, insists the American's sizeable shoes will be filled.              

Speaking to reporters in central London after another medal-laden games, Phelps said that he will definitely stay retired, and will enjoy looking on from the stands as the next generation bids to beat his tally of 22 podium finishes at the Olympics.              

 

[Michael Phelps, Olympic Champion]: 

"I had goals that I wanted to achieve over here, and I was able to do that. I said this before the Olympics, it's hard to really compare this one to what happened four years ago. It is just a different day, a completely different meet, so I am very pleased with how things turned out here, and like I said, my career has been perfect."              

 

Given his dislike of early starts, Phelps will not remain in swimming in a coaching capacity, but hasn't ruled out media work, especially as he is keen to attend the swimming world championships in Barcelona in 2013 and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.              

 

And when he sits on the dry side of the pool, he may see someone emerge to challenge his record-setting feats.              

 

[Michael Phelps, Olympic Champion]: 

"I think records are always made to be broken. I know that. There is somebody who I am sure is coming up, or had a dream the same way that I had a dream when I was a kid and they are going to try and achieve that. It is really going to be fun for me, I can't say that enough, just being on the other side of the sport and being able to watch, it is something that is going to be a lot more relaxing and it will be exciting."              

 

Phelps has dedicated the last 20 years of his life to swimming. 

 

He may not yet be sure what his second career will be, but with no training or competitions on the horizon, he says it won't be long before his post-pool life takes shape.              

 

[Michael Phelps, Olympic Champion]: 

"I will probably be able to find out more about myself not being a swimmer pretty soon. Swimming has been part of my life for so long. Knowing that I am starting the next chapter in my life, the second chapter in my life, it's going to be cool finding the Michael Phelps as a person." 

 

Meanwhile Chad le Clos, the young South African who beat his hero Phelps in the 200m butterfly at London 2012, says that while swimming will miss Phelps, there is enough talent to make his absence bearable.  

            

[Chad le Clos, Olympic Champion]: 

"I certainly hope so. I believe there is a lot of, not just where we are from, but there a lot of others from around the world who have shown that they can step up. I believe there is a new generation coming through. Michael Phelps might be a legend of the sport, but how can I say this, a lot of the older guys are retiring, the younger guys are coming through now and putting their hand up."