Michael Phelps may have fallen short in our Hottie of the Week contest, but he's off to a good start where it counts.

Phelps opened his quest to win eight gold medals in Beijing by qualifying 1.44 seconds faster than his rivals with an Olympic-record time in the 400-meter individual medley preliminaries.

Michael is trying to break Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in a single games.

I just wish he would shave his beard off! What's up with the facial hair?

Matt Lauer decided to just ask Michael what is going on.

"Just messing around a little bit," he said. "Just having a little fun, is all."

Well, I have news for you Mr. Phelps... it's not fun... it's creepy!

Regardless, best of lucks to Michael Phelps and the rest of the Americans over in China representing us in the 2008 Olympic games.

Make a splash!