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American swimming superstar Michael Phelps plans to replicate the ambitious eight-event programme he swam at the Athens Olympics at next week's world championships here.
Phelps, 21, has improved his world-record times in the 200m individual medley and 200m butterfly and is treating the Melbourne meet as a major rehearsal for next year's Beijing Games.
"This definitely sets things up for next year, just sort of puts things in perspective if my body can handle things like I could four years ago, and I think I can," Phelps told Friday's The Australian newspaper.
His coach Bob Bowman is convinced Phelps, winner of six gold medals and two bronzes at the 2004 Athens Games and owner of three world records, will produce an explosive performance in Melbourne as a result of a new strength training programme.
"It seems to be really paying dividends because he hasn't really lost any endurance but he's gained strength and speed which I think will help move him to the next level," Bowman told the newspaper.
US team coach John Collins said his team is accustomed to winning, heading into the world championships.
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