Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian of all-time, announced this morning that he is donating part of his $1 million bonus for breaking Mark Spitz’s record of 7 gold medals to start a swimming foundation to help the sport grow across the United States.

This morning, the 23-year-old Baltimorean told NBC‘s “Today Show” host Matt Lauer that he will travel to eight cities in the United States to promote swimming among children.

The brief TV announcement did not address whether his plans to promote swimming would involve buying North Baltimore Aquatic Club’s Meadowbrook pool. Last month, Phelps told NBC’s Nightly News that he and coach Bob Bowman had bought a pool in Baltimore and were looking to change the sport of swimming. Bowman was named NBAC’s chief executive officer and is expected to start the job this month.

I am glad to see Michael is using his fame and money to try to help his sport grow.  Many of us growing up were unaware that swimming was even a sport or something you could do professionally.

More Phelps Promo Photos

[images: WENN]