CRAWFORD, August 17, 2008 (AFP) - 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.