American star swimmer Michael Phelps arrives at the National Aquatics Center, or the Water Cube, to participate in a training in Beijing, China, Aug. 4, 2008. (Xinhua/Xu Yijun) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Michael Phelps played cards with dorm mates in the Olympic Village, joked around with "Mom" teammate Dara Torres and appeared totally relaxed for the unprecedented goal of eight swimming golds.

    "Over the last three weeks, the training has been pretty successful..and I really look forward to the swim meet," the American top swimmer told reporters at a press conference.

    Phelps won six golds in the 2004 Athens Games and seven in the World Championships last year, and he is slated to break countryman Mark Spitz's seven Olympic golds mark in Beijing. However, the star swimmer tried to keep the goal at low key.

    "You guys talk about it, I haven't said anything, just doing what I can and swim as fast as I can. I never said about breaking any mark," he said.

    "My goals have never been published. Bob and I are the only two persons who know (the goal), and we are going to work through this week and the next to accomplish that goal," he said.

    "I have not talked to Mark, but he wished me best luck at the trials when he gave out awards," Phelps added.

    That said, no one doubts that the 23-year-old is going to be phenomenal. Coach Bob Bowman said Phelps is physically and emotionally ready.

    "Physically, he is stronger and more mature, and emotionally he is much the same guy, and he handles challenges really well," Bowman said.

    On Sunday, Phelps managed to shun hundreds of media and fans waiting at the Beijing airport. Together with teammate Torres at his first press appearance, Phelps fielded questions ranging from swimsuits, competitors, dope tests and his career.

    Phelps will contest in five individual events and three relays in Beijing, and he is ready for the mammoth task. "I like challenges. Even though breaststroke is my worst stroke, I would still swim in that event," he said.

    "Take 2004 for example, I knew it was going to be a tough race, but I didn't care. I felt successful being able to do a best time," he said.

    The world's top swimmer said he is also cool with swimming finals in the morning, a schedule change to accommodate TV viewers in the U.S. "You have to be ready to swim no matter what: morning, night, midday, midnight. You are representing your country and that's an honor. I'll be ready to swim whenever I have to,"he said.

    Phelps will make his Games debut on Aug. 9 in the 400 meters individual medley, which he said is going to be the toughest.

    He said he planned to skip parading in the Aug. 8 opening ceremony to reduce demands on legs.