Following Michael Phelps' revelation to the Baltimore Sun that he would like to compete at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) one day, one of his old opponents on the card table has confirmed that he really can play.
Jamie Crawford, who went up against the swimming great at Caesars Windsor's poker room recently, told Canwest News Service that the eight-time Beijing Olympic gold medallist is "definitely a good poker player".
According to Mr Crawford, Phelps is "very down-to-earth" and fun to play cards with. He also possesses a great deal of patience, something which professionals often say is required to succeed in the upper echelons of the game.
Indeed, many of the most successful sportsmen-turned-card sharps have come from sports which require competitors to be patient.
At this year's WSOP main event, multiple world snooker champion Steve Davis survived until the money bubble, while cricket legend Shane Warne also had a deep run.
Following Michael Phelps' revelation to the Baltimore Sun that he would like to compete at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) one day, one of his old opponents on the card table has confirmed that he really can play.