Olympic swimmers in Chesterfield react to Phelps incident

By Ryan Dean

KSDK -- Jump into the pool with Olympic gold medalists. Over 50 Parkway students learned some new techniques from two of the fastest swimmers in the world. Among them: five time Olympic medalist Josh Davis, who travels across America to host the clinics.

"We want the kids to know that if they do their best for a long, long time they will be amazed where their lives end up," Davis said.

His guest for the Parkway Central clinic was Matt Grevers, who won three medals at the Beijing Olympics. Though he has been busy teaching youth how to swim, he is well aware of the noise his teammate Michael Phelps is making out of the pool.

"I think he got a little overwhelmed. he hasn't had the opportunity to do any of the normal stuff that some college kids do and now he has had a half of a year off to experience that life style and I think he got carried away and made bad choice and I think he regrets that choice," Grevers said.

The young swimmers, who paid $60 to attend the clinic, said they felt like Michael Phelps when they put the gold medals won by Davis around their necks. They said they're also willing to forgive their idol.

"I understand that it was a poor decision, but I still look up to him as a swimmer," said Meagan McKinstry, Parkway Central freshman.

Freshman Drew Larking added, "I've lost a little respect for him, but I'm sure he can get back up there and do his best."

Despite what has happen to Phelps, the Olympians said he's still a great role model for kids.

"I don't think you need to take the Michael Phelps poster down. He is a good guy, he has trained his brains out and he loves his country and family. He has made a few mistakes and he is going to learn from this," Davis said.