CNS Olympic Report: Michael Phelps Shines Gold On Cover Of Upcoming Sports Illustrated

August 19, 2008 11:16 a.m. EST

Beijing, China (CNS) - Michael Phelps has earned the title of Golden Boy, and now he appears for the fourth time this Olympics on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine - showing off his eight gold medals.

Celebrity News Service has seen a sneak peek of the new SI cover in which Phelps strikes the same pose swimmer Mark Spitz did when he won seven gold in 1972.

The magazine cover features a red background and the title "The Alltime Olympian Michael Phelps" as Phelps stands with his hands on his hips and eight gold medals splayed across his chest.

Anyone who has watched Phelps swim over the last week knows the boy has a wide chest, but suffice it to say that eight gold medals hanging on eight red ribbons almost covers his body. That's a lot of gold.

Of course, there is also a big smile plastered on the 23-year-old swimmer's face - and rightly so. Not only did he achieve his dreams, but he now stands to face lucrative endorsement deals known only by greats such as Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

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.