 Phelps won seven golds at last month's world championships |
Michael Phelps says the controversial schedule at next year's Beijing Olympics will not affect his attempt to win a record eight gold medals. The swimming finals will take place in the morning, partly as a result of lobbying by American TV network NBC.
"I have no preference," said Phelps, who won six Olympic golds in 2004. "I'm going to step up and swim as fast as I can whether it's morning or night."
The 21-year-old won seven gold medals at the recent World Championships.
That matched the achievement of US legend Mark Spitz, whose record of seven golds at the Munich Olympics he is now targeting.
"It's the Olympics; if you're not ready to swim at that time, don't come, " added Phelps. "Stay at home and watch TV."
Phelps' attempt to win eight golds in Melbourne recently was only thwarted by a team-mate's mistake in the relay, which led to the US being disqualified.
The retirement of Ian Thorpe has boosted his chances of a golden sweep in Beijing although Phelps said he would not be surprised if the 24-year-old Australian reversed his decision to quit the sport.
"If he wants to train to start training now for the Olympics next year, I wouldn't put it past him. I think he still has a lot in him," he added.
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