BEIJING, CHINA - Michael Phelps realized his dream of a record eighth gold medal at the Beijing Games on Sunday and said it was just the start of his bid to transform the sport.

"Everything was accomplished, doing all best times, winning every race, everything that we wanted to do here has been accomplished," said Phelps after the United States won the men's medley relay to ensure he eclipsed Mark Spitz's record of seven golds in a single Games.

"I've dreamt a lot of things, written down a lot of goals and this was the biggest dream I have ever written down," he added.

Phelps's success at these Games has sparked the imagination of the American public with his races being shown on giant screens at baseball games and receiving huge media attention.

The swimmer says his aim now is to build on that increased profile and broaden swimming's appeal.

"I heard about the announcement at Yankees Stadium, that if people are out to eat, the television is on and swimming is on. That's good but this work is in progress and it is going to take some time to achieve.

"I don't want this sport to be an every four year sport.

"We get the most attention every four years but in between there is not as much exposure for us as I would like.

"We swim each day of the year and there is no off-season in swimming, the only off-season is after every Olympics.

"I want to get people involved in the sport and to be aware of what we're doing.

"In the upcoming years we will see it more and more. I really think it is going to happen," he said, adding that he wanted the next generation to benefit from a higher profile sport.

"I hope they will have it easier than we did. Swimming has changed my life and allowed me to do so many things. I can't imagine what it is going to be like in, say, 10 years. I'm excited to watch it change."

Phelps said he is also considering putting himself to the test in some new events and although he didn't specify which, the suggestion is likely to alarm the 100 freestylers who have so far avoided direct competition from the American.

"Over the next four years I would like to try some other events, events I haven't tried yet, events I haven't done here and they we will see what happens.

"Bob (coach Bowman) said he wants to start fresh and try new things we haven't done before, try new training methods. It's going to be a fun four years."

Even though he doesn't train specifically for the 100 freestyle, his time in the relay made him the third fastest man over that distance.

For now though Phelps says his thoughts have turned to more modest goals.

"It is time to take a little vacation. I've been looking forward to that for a long time.

"I'm looking forward to not doing anything, just sitting and not moving."