Obama calls Phelps to share personal congratulations

LONDON — Michael Phelps' phone rang as he headed to the Olympic pool here on Wednesday.

"Michael?" he heard. "Please hold for the president of the United States."

"OK!" Phelps said.

President Obama wanted to tell him that everyone back home was proud of him becoming the world's most decorated Olympian after he won his 19th medal Tuesday night.

Then, the two very busy men said their goodbyes, but not before Obama had one final thing to say.

"He finished by saying, 'Make sure you tell your mom I said hi,'" Phelps said.