MONTREAL – The eight-time gold medal winner at the Beijing Olympics, Michael Phelps, arrived in Montreal Friday before he competes in the Canada Cup, being held this weekend at the city’s Olympic Pool.
Phelps, who holds the title of most-decorated athlete in the history of the Games with 14 gold medals, signed the guest book at City Hall and met with officials.
The American swimmer spoke little but said he was happy to be back in Montreal for a competition and hopes to have more time to go sightseeing. He was last in town in 2005 for the FINA World Swimming Championships.
Tremblay thanked Phelps for his visit and described the 23-year-old as a model for future generations.
“You’re a living example that it’s through willpower and work that we are able to push the limits of human ability,” he said. As a gift, the mayor gave Phelps a collection of commemorative coins from the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Phelps was to be the guest of honour at a dinner held at the Olympic Stadium Friday evening. The event was billed as a fundraiser for an organization that offers support to athletes trying to become Olympians.
