US swimmer and all-time Olympian Michael Phelps is celebrating his historic achievement by gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated, adorned with his eight gold medals.
The photo was inspired by 1972 gold medal winner Mark Spitz who showed off his seven gold medals in a similar pose.
The cover of the magazine was shot Sunday night in an ancient temple in Beijing.
Phelps remains in Beijing for a few days and will then head to London to promote the 2012 Olympic games.
The 23-year-old swimmer now stands to face lucrative endorsement deals similar to Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.
This is Phelps’ fifth sports illustrated cover. He’s been on more sports illustrated covers than any other swimmer. Spitz was on three.
The issue hits newsstands Wednesday.
Look for Phelps in September on special edition boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes.
(Copyright 2008 by NBC. All Rights Reserved)
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