Shaq vs. Michael Phelps...swim challenge! Mangione Aquatic Center (September 15th)...

Phelps has his sights on winning!

Is the brute too chunky to slice through to the finish with ease?

 

Golden boy Michael Phelps has challenged Shaq O'Neal to an invigorating round of swim heats to take place before - what will undoubtedly turn out to be - a standing-room-only posse of Shaq and Phelps die-hard fans cheering both competitors on from the sidelines.

The two high-profile rivals are slated to take the big splash September 15th in a much-anticipated event to be broadcast live! on ABC Television Network.

The Mangione Aquatic Center at Loyola University will play host for the last installment of the highly-rated "Shaq VS" competition series.

The mighty "Shaq-mu" - a moniker he rustled up in the spirit of the tongue-in-cheek entertainment games - intends to win.

Just betcha!

How could he fail?

After all, Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps - otherwise known as "The Bomb" - has also signed on to coach Shaq about the basics of stroking, selecting a stylish (but-oh-so practical) slinky suit designed to slice through cool waters with an edge, hitting the wall, and how to snap up a bevy of  bodacious babes in Las Vegas.

A relay race squaring off Phelps and O'Neal (with handicaps whimsically tossed in and guaranteed to bolster the competitive spirit between the two high-profile athletes) appears to be the highlight of  the three races scheduled.

Off-the-cuff teasers about each competitor's ubiquitous style and entertaining clips zeroing in on the rigorous training endured by each leading up to the swim match of the decade (debacle?) are sure to spice up the Television Special which is being produced by producer Media Rights Capital in association with Dick Clark Productions

Will Shaq's gargantuan 7' 1" man-frame prove to be too formidable for the Golden Champ, Phelps?

Inquiring minds want to know!

The "bomb" prepares for the big splash!

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Michael Phelps...hits tenfold! Stylish Mom in on action, too!

Michael Phelps splashes onto world stage...


As I reported a few days ago - during a span of one week when Michael Phelps was blasting his way into Olympic history at the Beijing games - my blog site revved up and soared in popularity around the globe because of a staggering number of frenzied fans seeking out tidbits of news about America's instant "golden boy".

After a couple of follow-up features, I expected the hysteria to drop off, though.

I was quite delirious - to say the least - when I logged on yesterday morning to discover that my blog stats reflected that due to the Michael Phelps posts - hits were boosted tenfold overnight.

Today, the trend has continued!

Just goes to show 'ya what happens when you hitch a ride with a superstar.

You get catapulted into the stratosphere - and there is no looking back - I guess.

In recent days, the phenomenon that is "Michael Phelps" has continued to surge forward full-steam ahead.

Facebook reported, for instance, that the Olympic Gold Medalist had a million requests for "friend" status at the most popular social hub on the Internet.

And, on the heels of his historic wins, the studly swimmer was signed to grace the package of a popular morning breakfast cereal.

"Breakfast-of-Champions-style"

Even humble "Mom" managed to snatch up a little of the limelight, too.

USA Today reported that fans not only took note of the outfits she was inclined to sport in the stands each day - but later dashed into Chico's to pull the attractive outfits off the racks - to emulate the stylish woman.

Can a signature line be in the offing?

And, all the hoopla will be recorded for posterity in a published tome.

According to news flashes this weekend - it was revealed that Michael Phelps has signed a pact with a publisher to write a book about all the behind-the-scenes events at the Beijing Olympics - which is sure to excite his enthusiastic fan base.

"Built to Succeed" will focus on his philosophy on training and competition.

He has one, at such a young age?

I guess so, to score so big at the Olympics, eh?

But, the page-turning will not be just a piece of fluff.

The editor has noted that the bio will not only take a foray into normal aspects of his childhood, but also take an insightful glimpse into the heart-wrenching experience of being raised by a single mother.

Phelps will also discuss what it was like to cope with an attention deficit disorder.

Where do I order a copy?

Michael Phelps in Vogue...