Michael Phelps...Barbara WaWa has sights set on interview with swim champion!

In the next couple of weeks, Barbara Walters will tackle an interview with America's hunky sweetheart, Michael Phelps.

In the event Ms. Walters is inclined to pose the question - "If you were a tree, what kind of a tree would you be?" - I expect the Olympic Champion's response to be forthcoming.

A towering Oak, perhaps?

Undoubtedly, the gold-medal winner's sex life will be fair game, too.

After all, when Ricky Martin appeared on a special one year - which coincided with widespread rumors about his sexuality - Ms. Walters had no qualms quizzing the heart-throb about a question foremost on inquiring minds everywhere.

Are you gay, Ricky?

The Latin Lothario's reluctance to respond - caught off guard was he? - spoke volumes to most Americans!

Yup, he's a fag!

Unless Michael can rustle up a girlfriend between now and the broadcast date, I expect Walters will grill the sexy stud on the hotseat, too.

Of course, Ms. Walters will have tender moments when she focuses on Michael's tough and troubled childhood.

Being raised by a single mother, with limited funds and resources, is always the kind of background fodder that tugs on the heart strings, no matter who the subject.


A couple of questions are ripe for her scalpel.

Were you a happy kid?

What was it with that Fu Manchu moustache, anyway?

Be straight with me, Michael. How did you break that arm, really?

In spite of the fact the insightful Walters will probe where no other woman has gone before - and saunter into naughty territory where she has no business venturing along the wet-and-slippery way - she'll end the lobotomy with a sweet smile and a cute little quip.

I've got one.

You've been such a sport, Michael!