|
Algarve |
![]() |
|
|
Olympic champion Michael Phelps on Algarve vacation
• 28 Aug 2008 •
 MICHAEL PHELPS chose the Algarve to relax after his superb performance at the Beijing Olympic Games. The eight-time Olympic medallist was joined by his brother and a group of friends on a golfing holiday.
Although there was no confirmation from the hotel, the ‘Lusa’ news agency quoted a source as having said that, during his three-day vacation in the Algarve, Phelps’ party stayed at the Hilton hotel in Vilamoura. The same source said that Phelps was offered a list of Hilton hotels in different world locations and chose the Algarve.
This was confirmed by the Portuguese Tourism Board which stated in a press release, “Michael Phelps left the Beijing Olympics with a record eight gold medals, adding to a career tally of 14, so where is the golden athlete heading next? The twenty-three year old American swimmer is on route with some friends to a golfing vacation in Portugal's Algarve region. He will relax at Hotel Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Resort and Spa, and enjoy some of the best golf in the world, up to par for one of the world’s best swimmers.”
During his stay, and despite his attempts to remain anonymous, he was recognized by many people who saw him on Thursday night when he visited three Algarve night clubs. Phelps went to Vilamoura’s ‘Black Jack’ and then on to Albufeira’s ‘Le Club’ and ‘Capitulo V’. Elizabete Cruz told The Euro Weekly News, “I was at ‘Le Club’ with some friends and when I saw him, I couldn’t believe it. I asked my friends, Is that Michael Phelps? And it was really him. Although I am a big fan, I would never disturb him, but now I am sorry I didn’t at least have an autograph.”
Black Jack’s public relations administrator, Alberto Macedo, told The Euro Weekly News, “He was a very friendly person and didn’t refuse any of the requests to sign autographs or to have pictures taken with people. He seemed to be a very simple person, didn’t make any sort of special requests to the waiters and just stayed there, quietly, enjoying himself.”
During his night out in the Algarve, Phelps declined to talk to reporters, but on Sunday, at Faro airport, before boarding his flight to London, he agreed to talk to the Portuguese Television channel, RTP. He explained that he chose the Algarve for his first vacation after the Olympics because, he said, “It seemed a good relaxing place.” Phelps added, “I was able to have some fun here. I tried some golfing. I tried doing things, here and there, you know it was cool.”
About the Portuguese people, he said, “they are very welcoming”, adding, “Definitely, if I’m able to come back here, I will.” Asked about his record-breaking eight Olympic medals in one single event, he said, “It was a dream come true. It’s something that I’ll never forget.” When asked about the future, he answered with an enigmatic, “Who knows.”
However, after arriving in the UK from his golfing holiday in the Algarve, Phelps told The Times he was now keen to get back to work, stressing he would “get back to making deposits in the bank of supreme fitness and form”. |  Return to Top
Home Page
Send by Email |
|
Share on Facebook
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]()
| Birthdays |
| |
Bo Derek - 51 - American actress/model,
Denise Crosby - 50 - American actress,
Dougray Scott - 42 - Scottish actor, |
|
| |
more... |
|
 |
|
