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Baltimore County plans to honor the world's most decorated Olympian Michael Phelps—at some point.
"We have to wait our turn," said Marjorie Hampson, a county spokeswoman. "When he gets back, he'll be all over the national circuit."
Hampson said the county has been in communications with Phelps' public relations firm but it's still unknown when the Rodgers Forge native—who recently broke the record for most career Olympic medals—will be available.
"We might not even get him until November," Hampson said with a laugh.
She said the county does intend to update Phelps' monument at Olympian Park in Towson, but added that no solid celebration plans are yet in place. Hampson did confirm that there will not be a parade—as there was following the 2008 Olympics—in the swimmer's honor.
"There aren't any dates, any times, any places," Hampson said.
Towsonite
6:03 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
THERES GOTTA BE A PARADE!!!
DS
8:49 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
I am just waiting for OWE Malley to institute a Olympic tax.......
Evets
2:14 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
USA Olympians do pay federal taxes on the money they win (called honorariums) at the Olympics. They are taxed at the highest rate (35%). Phelps would pay $3,500 on a 1st place honorarium of $10,000. Hope he can afford it.
BTW, no federal dollars (i.e. taxpayer money) is spent on the USA Olympic team. The US is one of only a few countries that does not subsidize its team.
JDStuts
1:49 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Credit to the county for ruling out a parade. That is just sound fiscal management right there.
No need to waste limited funds for the recognition of a fringe athlete who is adequately compensated from endorsements.
If Phelps feels he needs a parade let him foot the bill. Otherwise, congratulations now fade away.
GT
11:31 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012
Yet we spent money to paint "8" all over Towson streets and that's not the same AT ALL is it?
Gregg Roberts
1:58 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
I'm so upset that a guy who making a fortune doesn't have a parade to. He has saved so many lives. Dedicated himself to the poor. He's like Mother Teresa. The saint. I want to pay tax dollars to give him a parade.
Evets
2:16 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Maybe he could have his own float in the Kingsville Parade next year...
FIFA_archived
2:29 pm on Friday, August 3, 2012
Only if it is pulled by a bus.
GT
11:29 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012
How many of you have walked in his mother's shoes? She was a single mother who, in the beginning, sacrified her time AND MONEY to further her son's progress. How many of YOU have gotten up at 4am to take your kids to swim practice BEFORE school? Then driven him to school only to take him to practice after? How many of YOU have gotten up at 4am to do anything other than drive downee oshen hun?
Evets
11:59 am on Saturday, August 4, 2012
I got up before 5 AM to practice my chosen sport for years. Does that count? Can I have a parade? I am not a single mother, but I have spent time AND MONEY to further my children's progress. Can I have a parade? My wife and I happily choose to live on one income so that our children can have the benefit of a full-time parent. Can we have a parade?
Mr. Phelps' mother was being a parent. If she considers putting her children first to be a sacrifice, then she does not know the meaning of that word. Being a parent means willingly and lovingly putting children first. That is no sacrifice.
BTW, Baltimore County does not really have to give me a parade. I am honored every day with the love and cheerful greetings and health of my children.
Freddy
3:15 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
Most people get up every morning between 4 and 7 and head off to work to pay their taxes and make a living where is their parade? Mikes mother is no different than any other parent that has sacrificed themselves for their children. NO PARADE
Jim Jones
3:24 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
The only difference between Phelp's mother and so many mothers of children who play sports is she will reep the benefits of having an Olympic champion for a son. There are many many single moms and dads out there who do the same, if not more for their children. Nothing against her, but the media plays her out to be some sort of saint. Let's not forget some of his out of pool sometimes illegal activities he likes to partake in. He is an amazingly gifted athlete. Let's see if he can go a year after these games without getting into trouble, something he has not been able to do with previous two games.
LCA
3:50 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
lets also remember that about a third of his medals were won as part of a team, without the others he has no medal...not denying his talent, but he didn't do it all by himself...
Honeygo Hal
4:04 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
Just like the POTUS said - You Didn't Build That.
Yes it was a team event, and in many of those races Phelps took the anchor position or had the fastest time of the leg he raced - so the others might not have had their medals without Phelps...
NCollins
5:27 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
People, I don't recall hearing Michael Phelps or his mother asking for a parade. Or demanding one. I think criticizing him for not saving lives is unfair too. He's a swimmer, and clearly an exceptionally good one. I'm proud to be from a country and a community that has such a positive example of what is possible if one puts out the effort. I think Michael Phelps would be happy just to be congratulated on his accomplishment so here goes.....congratulations!
Evets
7:56 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012
NCollins - Now that is really hitting below hte belt. You have posted a fair and reasonable comment on this issue of honoring Mr. Phelps and family. How am I supposed to respond to that?
Good job...
Steven Jacobson
6:24 pm on Sunday, August 5, 2012
Phelps received a DUI in 2004 for which he should have received some jail time but got off with probation. There was also the incident in 2009 with the pot pipe. Despite these brushes with the law former County Executive Jim Smith awarded Phelps with the Key To The County. Phelps is a poor role model for our young people. Current County Executive Kevin Kamenetz should take back Phelps Key To The County.