RIYADH: The global financial crisis has not affected the Olympic Games at all, said Michael Phelps, who won a record-breaking eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympics last summer, here yesterday.
He was addressing a press conference with fellow American Olympic star Carl Lewis.
"I do not see any impact on development of sports in any part of the world under the present global economic conditions," said Phelps. Recently, he said that he signed a contract with China for development of some games in the country. As a sportsman, he said: "I would say that one must not look at everything as negative but a positive approach will yield better results."
Of the Global Competitiveness Forum, Phelps said that it was a good opportunity to meet people from many countries just like the Olympic Games. "I like to move with people of varied culture and I also like to visit countries which have unique architecture in their buildings."
Phelps said he has his own plans for the next four years to participate in the next Olympic Games. Following the 2008 Olympics, Phelps used his endorsements to create the Michael Phelps Foundation, a charity organization that promotes swimming for children and water safety.
Born in 1985, Phelps has competed in over 51 international sporting events since 2000. He has set 32 world records and won 14 gold medals, the most by any athlete in Olympic history.
In his brief speech, Lewis said that he anticipates that the Olympic Games would come to the Middle East region in years to come. "Through fast communication facilities such as the internet, the people from distant places are getting closer to one another," he said.
Answering a question, Lewis said US President Barrack Obama is working on a common goal for the benefit of the global community. "He is chalking out programs in deference to the wishes of the people," he stressed.
Enjoying nine Olympic gold medals to his credit, Lewis holds the record for consecutive appearances on the US Olympic men's team from 1980 to 1996.
