Michael Phelps leaves fans spellbound during Olympic heroes' parade
6 Oct 2008, 1438 Hrs

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Washington, October 6 Ace swimmer Michael Phelps received a warm welcome from thousands of people lining the streets of Towson, Maryland, Saturday afternoon to welcome their local Olympic heroes home.

The 14-time gold medallist was the star of the Parade of Gold down York Road that honoured Maryland Olympians, Special Olympians and Paralympians.

Phelps' rolling by in an open-top Hummer sort of cast a spell on fans who had only seen images of his Olympic coverage, or the cover of sports magazines.

His mother Debbie waved to fans, stepping out of the car occasionally to hug old friends.

"His mom was a member of Phi Mu. Once a sister, always a sister," the Washington Times quoted Becca Leder, a freshman at Towson University and a pledging member of the Phi Mu sorority, as saying.

"His mom should come over and be like, 'These are the girls you want to marry,'" sophomore Jessica Stein said.

Swimming medallists Katie Hoff and Jessica Long were also spotlighted in individual cars, while the remaining Maryland athletes greeted crowds from a flatbed float.

Some elected officials also attended the event. (ANI)