BEIJING (AFP) — The US swimming team arrived here on Monday afternoon, but with a large crowd waiting to catch a first glimpse of Michael Phelps's arrival in China, the swim sensation slipped out a side door.
The 23-year-old, who is aiming for an unprecedented eight gold medals in Beijing, is the hottest ticket in town as fans and the media jostled for the best position at Beijing airport to catch sight of Phelps.
A crowd of more than 300, held back by Chinese police and airport security guards, formed a 100 metres-long corridor as Phelps fans - mainly Chinese - sought autographs, while the media waited to capture his entrance.
All were to be disappointed as the US team - which won 12 gold medals four years ago - passed through the arrival hall of Beijing's Terminal 3, but Phelps was nowhere to be seen.
"He left through a side exit, he did not come through with the rest of the team," the US squad's spokesperson told AFP.
After a week of training at the Singapore Island Country Club, the team's other stars - including Aaron Peirsol, Ryan Lochte and Natalie Coughlin - were escorted through the crowd to the team bus and taken to afternoon training.
Phelps is aiming to better Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals at one Games.
He just missed out on making history in Athens four years ago when he won six gold medals and two bronze.
In Beijing, Phelps will swim the 200m and 400m individual medleys, the 100m and 200m butterflies, the 200m freestyle, and the three relays - the same programme he followed in Athens.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
