Michael Phelps is No Couch Potato

By Theresa Carter

You wouldn’t think of the man who’s won more gold medals than any other as a couch potato, but that’s exactly what he calls himself.

At the Chicago2016Channel live interview last night, Michael Phelps was asked what he would be if he weren’t a swimmer. Without hesitation, he said

“A couch potato.”

His answer took me by surprise. I was sitting in the front row at the press conference, and it was the last thing I expected to hear from the down to earth Olympian. I had to wonder if it’s because the world’s greatest swimmer is just tired. Since his monumental physical effort in Beijing, he’s been to Portugal, London, New York and Florida. That would make anyone want to sit on a couch and veg out to reruns.

I was surprised because this is the same guy who trained two hours a day on the stationary bike while his was wrist was broken because the cast kept his whole body out of the pool, and then more hours with a kickboard at the edge of the water. And this is the same guy who started a foundation to teach kids how to swim so he could help reduce the number of accidental drownings. And the same one who wants to share the great experiences he’s had with these kids, and to elevate the sport of swimming.

Instead, it sounds like someone who’s driven, focused, and dedicated.

Since he doesn’t plan on swimming a day after his 30th birthday, he’ll have plenty of time to be that couch potato. But somehow, I just don’t think that’s going to happen.

Michael Phelps in Chicago

by: Paul Banks

Michael Phelps is to swimming what Devin Hester is to kick returns in football or what the Red Baron was to combat aviation. Dominance in a particular endeavor like this comes along once in a lifetime…and to watch it happen is truly special. Seeing him break Mark Spitz’s 36 year old record for gold medals won in a single Olympics will make Beijing one of the most talked about Olympics of all time. Phelps inspires a multitude of dedicated fans, and his presence in Chicago on Wednesday, September 3^rd was a monumental event. Phelps had a very busy day that included a press conference for both online chat members and working media at the Hilton Towers on South Michigan Avenue. I had a seat in the front row for that exclusive Phelps presser. The Michael Jordan of swimming was asked if he ever visualized a day when his popularity would be on par with the world-famous Chicago basketball star.

“This is something that I really never thought would happen. If you asked me 4 to 8 years ago, I never would have believed that this would be possible. That I would be walking into a hotel and there would be paparazzi waiting outside. It’s fun. It’s exciting and it’s a dream come true,” Phelps said.

Phelps endorsed Chicago as an Olympic Candidate City: “It’s a great place, a great city and a great sports town. And I really do think it would be the appropriate place for holding the Olympics.” However, should Chicago get the games, he may not be competing in them.

“I’ve already been on the record saying that I’m not swimming a day past 30, it’s something my coach and I decided. I’m probably going to go one more Olympics probably and then hang up the suit,” Michael said. So who will be the star performer of the 2016 games? Perhaps it will be someone inspired by today’s hero: Michael Phelps.

Up Close and Personal With Michael Phelps

Thanks to the hundreds of participants of our live streaming video and chat with Olympic Champion Michael Phelps. We are honored to have had the opportunity to chat with Michael about his Olympic experience, and he gave us his take on “Why Chicago” should be the host of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Watch live video from chicago2016channel’s channel on Justin.tv

Oprah brings Olympians to Chicago

“Two of Chicago’s, and the United States’, most beloved people brought fans out in droves this morning to Millennium Park.

Oprah filmed her season opener with Michael Phelps and 150 of his fellow Olympians at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Crowds lined up at 8AM this morning to be a part of this historic gathering, and the Chicago2016Channel team joined them. Howard Tullman captured the fans and the set decked out in Olympic style. Check out more pics from Howard and the team.

Be sure to check back at 5:00PM CDT today for our Channel2016 exclusive live interview with Michael Phelps!