Paralympics swimmer Erin Popovich Draws Comparisons to Michael Phelps

With the 2008 Paralympics drawing to a close, U.S. swimmer Erin Popovich is gaining notice for a stellar performance in the pool. Popovich won four gold medals and two silver at this year's games in Beijing, bringing her career medal count over two Paralympics to 14.

Popovich attributes much of her success to her college swim team.

At Colorado State, Popovich approached the swim team with a simple question: “Any way I can swim?”

The team agreed to let her try. She’s been with them for five years, doing the same drills and workouts as the able-bodied athletes, though she makes adjustments such as swimming 350 meters instead of 400 to stay with the group.

The 23-year-old has no plan for retirement and hopes to add to her medal count at the 2012 Paralympics in London.