 Phelps will try to win eight Olympic golds in Beijing next year |
American swimmer Michael Phelps has no intention of resting on his laurels after his record seven gold medals at the World Championships in Melbourne. The 21-year-old's next challenge is in Beijing next year when he targets Mark Spitz's haul of seven Olympic golds.
"I'm hitting my peak," said Phelps. "I have more goals to do, more things to accomplish and I'm not stopping until they are done.
"I want to be one of the greatest swimmers of all time."
Phelps, who believes he will still be competing at the London Olympics, says he is still improving.
"I've picked up a lot of speed over the last year after a solid year of lifting, it's definitely given me more muscle. I've got more speed," he said.
"I don't see myself retiring before 2012."
The only disappointment for Phelps at the World Championships came in the 400m medley relay where the USA were disqualified.
Spitz, who witnessed Phelps' performances in Melbourne, believes that his fellow American could surpass his 1972 achievement.
"Records are made to be broken," he said.
"I think Michael Phelps does have a chance. But just as the same happened for me, a lot of things have to go right."
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