This past August, the world watched Michael Phelps become the greatest Olympian of all time, securing for himself eight gold medals and a place in the record books for most all-time gold medals and most gold medals in a single Olympics. It appears , however, that Phelps is not content with mere athletic accomplishments:
Michael Phelps will use the $1 million bonus he earned for winning eight Olympic gold medals in Beijing to start a foundation, the American swimmer said on Tuesday.The first initiative by the Michael Phelps Foundation will be an eight-city tour across the United States during which Phelps will discuss his Olympic experiences with children.
“Thanks to a lot of hard work, some good fortune, the inspiration I drew from so many supporters around the world, and incredible team mates, I was able to achieve that dream by winning eight gold medals in Beijing,” Phelps said in a statement.
“Now, my goals reach beyond the pool, to helping others realize their dreams, and continuing to grow the sport I love so much.”
The money is reported to go towards the general advancement of swimming sports for kids, and we have yet to see exactly where the dollars are going to that end. But it’s refreshing, to say the least, to see such an amazing athlete respond to his success with gratitude and good deeds, in an age where overpaid athletes tend to build up their egos as much as their physiques.
