After winning his sixth gold medal Friday morning in the 200-meter individual medley, then qualifying for the finals of the 100 butterfly, Michael Phelps -- the darling of the Beijing Games thus far -- met with the media to discuss the possibility of winning eight golds.

"I think the next two races are pretty important,'' he said. "Tomorrow morning's race (the 100 butterfly) is probably the most important race of this meet.''

Classic understatement, eh?

Phelps is trying to become the first athlete to win eight gold medals in one Olympic Games. Standing in his way in the 100 butterfly is Ian Crocker of Portland, the world record holder in the event.

Crocker is trying to ignore the outside interests in this event, those that see him as the last chance to stop Phelps' bid.

Anyway, Phelps' biggest obstacle Friday morning here was getting ready to swim in the 100 butterfly.

He had just received his gold medal for the 200 IM and was whisked off the pool deck and told to get ready to swim in the first heat of the 100 butterfly.

"I didn't know I had as little time as I actually did, I didn't even have time to go to the ready room,'' he said. "I went from walking off the pool deck to taking my awards sweats off, to putting my parker on, trying to put my cap and goggles on … I literally had about two minutes to do it.

"I knew it was a tight turn there. The only thing I wanted to do was win my heat in the 100 fly and get a center lane and I was able to do that. It will set me up for something hopefully good tomorrow.''

Finally, he was asked about his trading card, which reportedly is now selling for $500. Wish I had one.

"Wow,'' he said. "That's a pretty good deal.''

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