?We Hung Out Together a Lot?: Michael Phelps Dismissed False Date Rejection Rumors Following 2004 Athens Olympics

We all know, Michael Phelps is one of the most decorated athletes in the world of sports. From making it to the pinnacle of his career to engaging in various philanthropic activities, the Baltimore bullet has covered it all. However, in spite of having it all, the Flying fish has also been the subject of various rumors. Likewise, following the 2004 Athens Olympics, Phelps fell prey to the hearsay headlines of Australian newspapers.

Forthwith his momentous victory in the 2004 Olympics, Phelps decided to stay a little longer in Athens, to attend various cross-sporting events such as basketball and soccer. However, his appearance at various events and parties gave the Australian reporters bait to make up stories about the swimmer.

Michael Phelps dating rumors from 2004

In his autobiography, Beneath the Surface, Phelps thoroughly described the course of events that led to the tittle-tattle among the Aussie reporters. As per the Olympian?s book, when he was in Athens, he attended some parties organized by MTV Speedo and Sports Illustrated. And, Phelps believed, ?the parties were a good place for Australian journalists to pick up (or make up) stories about me?.

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Interestingly, at one of those extravaganzas, the swimmer met his old friend Melanie Schlanger, who apparently was an Australian swimmer. And forthwith their meeting, the Baltimore Bullet, and Mel started to hang out with each other. ?We hung out together a lot,? added Phelps.?

Moreover, Phelps and his swimming acquaintance once made an appearance together in one of the parties. However, the ?Australian publication reported? that Phelps asked, ?Mel out on a date?. As per the swimming prodigy, to cause a stir among their readers, the reporters even mentioned that Mel rejected the Olympian.

Interestingly, the then-19-year-old Phelps handled the rumors diligently, as he mentioned, ?I don?t believe in the so-called Sports Illustrated curse. I made the cover twice and I don?t feel jinxed?. He further added, ?unless the jinx extends to Aussie reporters at SI events?. And, the young Phelps put the whole hearsay situation behind him and moved ahead with his post-Olympics touring spree.

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