BEIJING - Under the narrow monitoring of a large media group, the U.S. swimming team arrived here on Monday afternoon, but the hero Michael Phelps chose to slip away from the limelight.

Michael Phelps of the U.S. national swimming team takes pictures of photographers as he arrives at Beijing airport to participate in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 4, 2008. [Agencies]

The 23-year-old world record holder chose a much quieter way to leave the airport and enter his third Olympic Games as he left through a side door without anybody's notice.

Michael Phelps of the U.S. attends practice at the National Aquatics Centre, also known as the Water Cube, ahead of the swimming competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 4, 2008. [Agencies]

"He is as foxy as a loach, that's why he swims so well," joked a frustrated journalist.

Phelps won seven gold medals in Melbourne World Championships in 2007, missed men's medley relay because of a teammate's mistake.

The American, who already has six Olympic gold medals in hands, will swim the 100m and 200m butterfly, 200m freestyle, 200m and 400m medley and three relays in Beijing and wish to win all eight events to beat compatriot Mark Spitz's record of seven golds in a single Olympic Games, which was created in 1972.

"I am happy to arrive in Beijing, I enjoy it very much," said Phelps after he got into the shuttle bus, laughing.