Beijing: United States of America's swimming legend Michael Phelps is back in Beijing where he made Olympic history in August winning eight gold medals.
Phelps is in Beijing to do TV commercials for automaker Mazda, which is reported to be paying him more than $1 million to endorse the brand in China.
It's believed to be the largest single sponsorship deal for a foreign celebrity in the country.
He's expected to resume serious training before the month ends, and is likely to work on some new events heading into this summer's world championships in Rome.
"I am slowly getting back in the water more and more, you know, hopefully I'll get a few workouts in before I go home, and then once I get back home it's time to get back in the water and really start to train for the next four years," reveals Phelps.
Phelps lost to Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt edged in the race for the 2008 athlete of the year by the international media.
In a poll by the International Sports Press Association, journalists from 96 nations gave Bolt a narrow edge of 1673 points to 1557 over Phelps.
Bolt won a three gold medals, setting world records in the 100 meters, 200 and 400 relay to become the star of Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium.
In the Water Cube, Phelps was the outstanding star with a history-making eight golds in the pool for the United States.
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