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Together, the five ambassadors have broken dozens of world records and amassed hundreds of gold medals in international competitions. They have earned a staggering total 48 Olympic medals among them, anchored by the 16 held by Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time.

From left: Ian Thorpe, Natalie Coughlin, Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff and Alexander Popov

More than 200 members of the international press crowded the Pavilion’s display area, enthusiastic about seeing some of the greatest swimmers in the history of the sport on the same stage. During a question and answer period onstage, the five Omega ambassadors answered patiently all the questions.

Michael Phelps: «I never stop believing in myself»

When asked how he reacted to people who had expressed doubts about his ability to win gold medals in all eight of his Olympic events, Phelps said that he was motivated by their comments. «I never stop believing in myself and I still believe in myself».

Ian Thorpe: «I have never been so happy to be wrong»

It was pointed out that Ian Thorpe had been among those who had expressed reservations about Phelps’s ability to win all eight gold medals. Thorpe quickly replied that he had not said that Phelps could not win all eight events but that he had thought, given the nature of the competition, that it would be nearly impossible. Phelps nodded in agreement as Thorpe added, «I’ve never been so happy to be wrong about something».

Alexander Popov: «No plans to return to competition»

Alexander Popov, one of the greatest sprinters of all time, was asked if the Dara Torres’s successful Olympic comeback at the age of 41 encouraged him to consider returning to competitive swimming. «Not at all», the Russian replied. «The voices in the back of my head say ‘Don’t do it’ and I’ll listen to those voices».

Natalie Coughlin has eleven Olympic medals

Natalie Coughlin won medals in all six events she entered at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the highest total in any Olympic Games by an American woman. Upon first arriving at the Olympic Green, Coughlin commented that she was smitten by the colour of the National Aquatics Centre of «Water Cube». «I was excited about the fact that I’d get to swim there. I think all of us are taking away some great memories of that pool».

Stephen Urquhart (Omega President) and Michael Phelps «in the same boat»

Katie Hoff has won three Olympic medals – so far

Katie Hoff, who at 19 is the youngest of Omega’s swimming ambassadors, won three medals in Beijing. «It’s been a great experience and it’s wonderful to be part of the American team».

Omega and its swimming commitment

Omega President Stephen Urquhart was asked why the brand counts so many swimmers among its brand ambassadors. «If you look at the people on stage with me», he said, «the question almost answers itself».

Urquhart pointed out that Omega’s active roles in the development of swimming timekeeping technology and in the timing of swimming events, the company’s partnerships with swimmers were natural. «We understand each other very well – time is of the utmost importance to all of us».

Source: Swatch Group Website