U.S. swimmer and all-time Olympian Michael Phelps posed with his eight gold medals exclusively for the August 25, 2008 issue of Sports Illustrated. The photograph was inspired by fellow Olympic champion Mark Spitz, who showed off seven golds in 1972.

This is Michael’s fifth appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated, giving him the distinction of appearing on more SI covers than any other swimmer. Mark Spitz comes in a close second with three sports on Sports Illustrated.