Some of Dubai's top swimming talents had the experience of a lifetime this afternoon, when they met the most decorated Olympian in history, Michael Phelps.
The super-star, who was in Dubai Mall to open Under Armour's new flagship store, gave an insight into his glittering career during a Q and A with Dubai Eye's Robbie Greenfield, before fielding questions from members of Fit Republik's junior swim teams.
The interview gave the young swimmers a fascinating insight into Phelps' training regimen – from training every day for five years straight to eating between 8,000-10,000 calories daily, the man had clearly been on a mission.
He also admitted that standing on top of the Olympic podium whilst the U.S national anthem plays is something he'll miss.
The Fit Republik swimmers held their nerve to ask the icon some fantastic questions. Braden, 14, of American School Dubai admitted that the nerves were jangling before he asked his question (what advice would you give to kids?).
"My heart was pounding when I asked the question but it was an awesome experience."
Phelps was emphatic with his answer:
"Never, ever, ever, ever give up. Set goals high. Make them challenging. Believe that the sky is limit. You have to dream and believe that you can achieve whatever you want, and then you have to back that up with relentless hard work."
Braden and sister Alexa also plucked up the courage to get a picture and autograph with the star.
When asked if he had any regrets from his swimming career, the 24-time Olympic gold-medallist was understandably 
somewhat at a loss, but did eventually find something,
"I only broke 39 world records and I really wanted to break another in Rio (2016) to take it to 40, but it didn't happen. It bothered me for a while, but I've come to terms with it."
Anna, 9, of Al Mawakeb School, was also star-struck, and described the best part of her day as receiving a high-five from the main man.