Special coverage -  Michael Phelps: I'm the One! 

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Sidelight   -       Phelps shares joy of victory with mom, sisters 

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    WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Celebration activities were prepared in Baltimore, Maryland, to welcome the return of a local hero, Michael Phelps, who just won the U.S. eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympic Games, local officials said on Monday.

Michael Phelps of the United States smiles during the awarding ceremony of the Men's 4X100M Medlay Relay final at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Phelps won his eighth gold medal at the Beijing Olympics swimming events on Sunday, breaking Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals won at a single Games in 1972. (Xinhua/Chen Kai)  Photo Gallery>>>

    "He's so big and so global now, I'm sure we'll try to top it," said Marjorie Hampson, a county spokeswoman.

    She said that the celebration could be held on Aug. 30 to 31, but the date is still undecided.

    A parade was staged four years ago after Phelps came back from the Athen Olympic games where he won six golds and two bronzs for his country.

    But local officials said that they were considering the expansion of the parade since Phelps has added to 16 the number of medals, making him the most successful Olympian of all time.

    It was reported that Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon would join the celebration.

    Phelps started his athlete career at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club (NBAC), and continued to be trained there until after the 2004 Olympic Games.

    The Michigan University graduate has bought a house in Baltimore, and he said that he would return with his coach, Bob Bowman, to the NBAC for training.

    Phelps is set to return from China on Thursday.

Family members of US swimmer Michael Phelps react after his team winning the men's 4x100m medley relay final at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube in Beijing, China, Aug. 17, 2008. Phelps won his eighth gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games with the help of his teammates with 3 minutes 29.34 seconds. (Xinhua/Wang Dingchang)  Photo Gallery>>>