| Phelps in upbeat mood
From BBC Sport
Monday, August 17, 2004
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Phelps |
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The American's dream of emulating Mark Spitz's seven golds
is over after he finished behind Ian Thorpe and Pieter van
den Hoogenband.
But Phelps, 19, said: "How can I be disappointed when
I swam in a field with the two fastest 200m freestylers of
all time and was right in there?
"It's an honour winning any Olympic gold - I am already
successful."
World record holder Thorpe set a new Olympic best with a
time of one minute 44.71 seconds - the third fastest in history.
Phelps' ambition to win eight golds began in spectacular
fashion when he won the 400m individual medley relay on Saturday.
But his hopes for a second gold were dashed when the USA
4x100 relay team could only finish third in the finals on
Sunday.
But despite the setbacks, Phelps has no regrets about attempting
Spitz's record.
"I had an opportunity and I tried to do something that
he did, but I didn't," he said. "When I started
to swim I never thought I would have an opportunity to go
for seven.
"But I've said all along I wanted one gold medal and
I've got that. That was my goal and I've achieved it.
"You are an Olympic champion forever, no one can take
it away from you.
"Trying to go for seven was something I will remember
throughout my swimming career."
Phelps is back in action on Tuesday when he goes for gold
again in the 200m butterfly final.
Parry takes Phelps' scalp
He was beaten into second in the first semi-final on Monday
by British swimmer Stephen Parry.
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