Phelps talks post-Olympic ‘fat’ period

You know all those rumors about Michael Phelps and his 12,000-calorie-a-day eating habits? They're untrue. "People make a big deal out of what I eat, but it's not that crazy," Phelps told Details magazine.

At least not these days.

In the same interview, Phelps admitted that his weight ballooned after the Beijing Games in 2008:

While it may be hard to picture an out-of-shape Phelps, it's much easier to understand where he's coming from. He's spent most of his adult life undergoing a rigorous training regimen designed to maximize his potential. Because of that, he's the winningest Olympic champion of all time, with 14 gold medals total and a record-breaking eight in Beijing.

Sue him if he wanted a few extra bites to eat.

[ Related: Phelps is a bigger threat with less events in London ]

Phelps isn't the first Olympian to have struggled with weight gain, either. Popular American gymnast Shawn Johnson dealt with body-image issues after her four-medal performance in Beijing, admitting that she gained 25 pounds and was hurt by the ensuing publicity about it.

She's since dropped the weight, thanks in part to a return to competition. The same went for Phelps, who got back in shape and is now aiming for seven more gold medals in London.

As he told Details:

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