Phelps still coy on London programme

Michael Phelps is adamant that the London Olympics will be his last, but the US swimmer is keeping the details of his grand finale to himself.

“Why is it such a big deal what I’m swimming,” Phelps asked yesterday, when he was yet again quizzed as to just which events he plans to swim at the US Olympic trials and in London.

Phelps, of course, has excelled in a broad range, winning an unprecedented eight golds in one Games at Beijing to take his tally to 16 Olympic medals overall, 14 of them gold.

Phelps then said he was just kidding – but still declined to offer any clues to the reporters assembled for the US Olympic Committee’s pre-London Olympic Summit.

Coach Bob Bowman said the secrecy keeps the opposition on their toes, and saves the need for explanations if their plans change.

With a multiple medal performance in London, Phelps could surpass Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina as the winner of most career Olympic medals.

She won 18 medals, including nine golds, from 1956-64.

Phelps said he had a chance to meet the gymnastics icon at a photo shoot in New York.

“The language barrier was a little tough, but she had a translator with her.

“It was an honour to meet somebody’s who is such a legend and an icon especially in the Olympic movement,” he said.