michael phelps

Record-setting Olympian Michael Phelps made an appearance Thursday in New York to promote a swimming program for inner-city kids.

The event was sponsored by Visa, one of seven companies that has commercial ties to the swimmer. Phelps' agent says he could end up earning $100 million in endorsements.

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The organizers of the Olympics really blew it this time. Not showing the unbelievable comeback of Michael Phelps in the 100-meter butterfly race, which he won by one-hundredth of a second, is evidence of cowardice.

And a total lack of commercial savvy, in the digital age.

Ever since Michael Phelps clinched his eighth gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, analysts have debated the swimmer's place in the sports pantheon.

But Frank Deford says it's impossible to compare Phelps to other sports greats, past or present.

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Michael Phelps's Facebook fan club is second in membership to Barack Obama's. Now, his hometown of Baltimore has to figure out how to welcome the swimmer home in a style befitting his fame.

After the last Olympics, the city threw a "Phelps-tival," giving him a parade, the key to the city and a street named after him.

One suggestion: How about changing the name of his neighborhood — Fell's Point — to Phelps Point?

This guy won eight gold medals in nine days.

How incredible is that?

Wow.

BEIJING — A journey that started four years ago after his six gold medals in Athens and included 17 swims over nine days here ended triumphantly for Michael Phelps on Sunday.