Michael Phelps revealed on Monday that he is loading up on carbohydrates to fuel his bid for at least three more gold medals at the Rio Olympics.

The 31-year-old secured his first gold of the Games on Sunday as part of the US 4x100m freestyle relay team.

After qualifying fifth fastest for the 200m butterfly semifinals on Monday, Phelps told reporters he was taking extra care to look after his body.

"I tried to do as much as I could, get my lactate cleared, had a massage, had an ice bath, eat," Phelps said of his recovery on Sunday night.

"I think I had a pound of spaghetti and I am not a spaghetti fan, I forced myself to eat it."

Phelps is the most successful Olympian in history with 23 medals - 19 of them gold.

His only individual events in Rio are the 100m and 200m butterflies and the 200m individual medley. He is also expected to compete in other relays.

Phelps is aiming to become only the third athlete to win gold in the same event at four consecutive Olympics, joining Al Oerter (discuss) and Carl Lewis (long jump). Phelps could perform the feat in both the 100m butterfly and 200m individual medley.

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