Phelps visits poor favela in Rio
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail CNTV, November 1, 2012
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all-time is currently in Rio, the site of the next Olympiad in 2016. The 18-time gold medallist was visiting an impoverished area of the city and gave some local kids the thrill of a lifetime as he gave them a brief swimming lesson and some inspirational thoughts.
 |
|
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all-time is currently in Rio, the site of the next Olympiad in 2016. |
In the backdrop in one of Rio's most impoverished areas, Michael Phelps provided hope to children in this shanty town -- that was once the home of drug gangs and violence.
But a facelift has transformed the area -- and now offers troubled youth a chance to use sports as an outlet.
Phelps, a multiple Olympic medallist even hopped into the pool to coach local youths at a new training centre and offered them some encouragement for the future.
He said, "Anything is possible, it really is. It doesn't matter if you're here or you're there, or you have this going in your life, you have that going in your life, because if you put your mind to it you can overcome anything."
With 22 medals to his name, many of the locals wanted to know if the American would add to that total at the Rio Games.
|
|
|
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all-time is currently in Rio, the site of the next Olympiad in 2016. |
He said, "You know, I think it's a good opportunity for me to be able to come down here more leading up to the Olympics, seeing more of the city... just experiencing it. I know my Mom wants to. I have already told her I will not be competing, so, do not get her hopes up... uh... rather in the pool. If I, somehow, become an amazing golfer maybe, bit I find that very unlikely over the next three years."
Currently, Phelps has more pressing issues as he worries about returning to New York which is being battered by Hurricane Sandy.
He said, "I'm kind of nervous to go back home because I don't know if my house is going to be under water or not. It will be an interesting trip. I know that we will all sort of bounce back from everything that is going on. It's kind of wild seeing all the pictures and all the coverage - it's all I have been watching really since I have been here. It's sad. it's part of life."
For now, Phelps can just worry about putting a smile on children's faces.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)