Fresh from Athens, Greece, Olympians Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker and Lenny Krayzelburg came to Penn State yesterday and made a splash.

The three medalists took part in Disney's Swim with the Stars, at McCoy Natatorium; afterward a second event featured Phelps answering questions and signing autographs in the HUB-Robeson Center's Heritage Hall.

About 700 people came to see the three Olympians promote their sport to young swimmers.

Phelps, 19, won six gold and two bronze medals, Crocker won two gold medals and Krayzelburg won four gold medals at this year's Olympic Games.

Disney's tour, aimed at encouraging younger swimmers to work for their goals, is travelling cross-country until October.

"I've dreamed my whole life about being at the Olympics, standing on top of the podium and listening to the national anthem play," Phelps said. "I'm big on goals."

Yesterday's main event, a swimming demonstration, was hosted by Shaun Jordan, a graduate from the University of Texas and a two-time gold medalist from the 1988 and 1992 games.

"We are here because we have a passion and a love for swimming, and we want to share that," Jordan said. "I'm amazed at the emphasis on stroke drills. This is a thinking-person sport, and swimmers have the highest GPA in college sports."

The clinic featured each swimmer's strokes: Crocker did butterfly, Krayzelburg backstroke and Phelps swam breaststroke and freestyle.

"The most important thing is technique. Unless your technique is right, you're not being efficient," Crocker said. "It's all about timing."

Krayzelburg expressed gratitude for being able to participate in Disney's tour.

"This is an extremely humbling experience for our sport," Krayzelburg said.

The clinic ended with three relays, each headed by an Olympian accompanied by young, local swimmers.

"It was really cool and I can't wait to tell all my friends at school," said 12-year-old Anthony Vita who was on Phelps' relay team.

After the clinic Phelps moved on to meet with the students at Penn State for a question-and-answer forum and an autograph session.

Over 800 people, more than half female, came to see Michael Phelps.

Penn State President Graham Spanier introduced Phelps at a little before 6 p.m.

"I tried to talk him into coming to school here but he is afraid of all you girls ... anyway, we're honored to have him here and he's welcome at Penn State anytime," he said.

Phelps will attend the University of Michigan "within the year."

Phelps took the stage and immediately opened the floor up to questions.

"I know you probably think we're just two stupid ten-year olds, but we were wondering if we could have a cardboard cut-out of you?" State College residents Laura Lovins, 11, and Ali Pryor, 10, asked, to the crowd's amusement.

Phelps answered many questions about his diet -- which is 7,000 to 10,000 calories per day -- and his training. Phelps said he practices every day of the year and swims about 600 laps during each practice.

The excited attendees then got the chance to have Phelps sign pictures or T-shirts.

"The whole team came out. We wanted to see him," Rikki Covey, a Penn State women's freestyle and backstroke swimmer, said. "I said hello as he signed my photo; he's kind of intimidating."