Bush calls to congratulate Phelps

US President George W. Bush meets 2008 Gold Medal winner Michael Phelps (R) at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games National Aquatics Center in Beijing in this August 10, 2008 file photo. [Agencies]

US President George W. Bush smiles after meeting Michael Phelps at the Beijing Olympic Games in this August 10 file photo. The White House has said that Bush telephoned Phelps and told the US Olympics swimming sensation "if you can handle eight gold medals, you can handle anything". [Agencies]

Beijing - US President George W. Bush on Sunday telephoned Michael Phelps and told the US Olympics swimming sensation "if you can handle eight gold medals, you can handle anything," the White House said.

"Laura and I are proud of you. Our family is proud of you, but most importantly, America is proud of you," Bush, who was here on his Texas ranch, told Phelps, whose eight gold medals at a single Games are unmatched.

"We're excited for you. You handled yourself with humility. Give your mom a big hug for me. 41 and I were honored to get a picture with her," Bush said, referring to his father, George Bush, the 41st US president.

They spoke after Phelps, 23, overtook compatriot Mark Spitz, whose seven swimming golds at Munich in 1972 were the most at a single Games.

Phelps, competing in his third Olympics, took his total of Olympic titles to a record 14, including six from Athens, where he also claimed two bronze.