Phelps is coming to Chicago
Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps will visit Chicago next Wednesday, local officials announced today.
No public appearances are currently scheduled but Phelps, who won 8 gold medals at the games in Beijing, could visit a local swim club, a spokesman with the Chicago 2016 bid committee said.
(AP)
Phelps will be the guest of the bid committee, which is vying to host the summer games in Chicago in eight years.
His visit is being billed as a show of support for Chicago’s efforts.
"My success in the pool has afforded me many great opportunities and the ability to lend support to Chicago 2016 is a privilege that ranks among the top of the list," Phelps said in a statement released by the committee. "It is truly an honor to be able to represent your country and to have the opportunity to do so in your own country would be an experience unlike any other."
Phelps has been a member of the committee as a bid ambassador since its inception in 2006.
"We are all extremely excited to welcome Michael to our city...," said Chicago 2016 Chairman Pat Ryan. "He embodies the essence of the Olympic spirit and has been an inspiration to the world."
In a statement, Mayor Daley added, "Offering Chicago’s young people a role model like Michael Phelps is one of the best ways to help foster more interest and excitement in the variety of Olympic sports such as swimming."
The 23-year-old Baltimore native has won 16 Olympic medals — 14 gold and two bronze — and 17 World Championship titles.