Nastia Liukin talks with Access
Amanda Beard take Nastia Liukin shopping in Beijing
Nastia Liukin talks with Access
Access Hollywood
Amanda Beard take Nastia Liukin shopping in Beijing
September 9, 2008
NEW YORK, New York --
Fresh off her gold medal win in Beijing, Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin is giving her fans something to “Gossip” about.
The 18-year-old, who won the gold in the women’s individual all around competition, will appear in an upcoming episode of the hit CW show “Gossip Girl,” Access Hollywood has confirmed.
Access the Full Story
September 5, 2008
LAS VEGAS, Nev. --
What better way to celebrate victory in the Olympics than with a trip to Las Vegas!
Eight-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps hit Sin City on Thursday night, where he was photographed inside the Playboy Club at the Palms Casino Resort.
Access the Full Story
September 4, 2008
NEW YORk, New York --
Monica Seles has one word of advice for the new contestants of “Dancing With The Stars” — well, one word, repeated thrice — practice, practice, practice.
“Oh boy, be ready for lots of practice,” she told Access Hollywood at the “Entourage” season five premiere in New York on Wednesday night. “And [a] crazy schedule. I was only on there for two weeks, so I really didn’t get to experience the whole show, but even the little that I was on, it’s a lot of work.”
Access the Full Story
September 4, 2008
NEW YORK, New York --
Olympic champ Michael Phelps has made one TV appearance after another since earning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but his favorite cameo thus far? - HBO’s “Entourage.”
The swimmer filmed a cameo for the HBO show’s fifth season last week in New York after appearing on “Good Morning America.”
“That was an amazing sort of serendipity moment when Michael Phelps just happened to be in the neighborhood and somebody asked him, ‘Hey, want to be in ‘Entourage?’ and he said, ‘Of course, it’s my favorite show,’” series star Adrien Grenier told Access Hollywood.
Access the Full Story
September 3, 2008
LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
Fresh off Olympic gold in Beijing, gymnastics sensation Shawn Johnson is already testing out her acting chops.
The teen gymnast will make a guest appearance in the mid-season finale of “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” ABC Family confirmed to Access Hollywood.
Access the Full Story
September 3, 2008
CHICAGO, Ill. --
Access Hollywood was on the scene as thousands of spectators cheered Olympic medalists Michael Phelps, Dara Torres and Kobe Bryant on Wednesday as the city of Chicago got a high-profile boost to its bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Oprah Winfrey was taping the season premiere for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” at a downtown park, and she invited 150 U.S. Olympic athletes to join her. The athletes were introduced under a shower of red, white and blue confetti.
Access the Full Story
September 3, 2008
LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
She is certainly a wizard on the volleyball court, but now Olympian Misty May-Treanor will play one on TV as well – or at least visit some.
Fresh off her gold medal beach volleyball win in Beijing, Misty will make a guest appearance on the Disney Channel’s hit tween show “Wizards of Waverly Place,” the Olympian and the cable channel confirmed to Access Hollywood.
Access the Full Story
August 29, 2008
LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
Michael Phelps is making a splash on TV!
Phelps’ fame as an eight time Olympic gold medalist is extending far past the swimming pool.
He will be appearing at the MTV Video Music Awards September 7.
“I’m pumped to see some of these guys perform live,” Phelps told Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush.
Access the Full Story
August 29, 2008
CHICAGO, Ill. --
Gold medalists Michael Phelps, Nastia Liukin and Kobe Bryant, along with 150 other U.S. Olympic team members, will be on the season premiere of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
Winfrey plans to tape the show at Chicago’s Millennium Park on Wednesday.
Access the Full Story
August 27, 2008
LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
Michael Phelps has already brought home the gold – now he’s bringing it to TV. The record-breaking Olympic swimming champ will host the season premiere of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” on Sept. 13 and make an appearance on MTV’s “Video Music Awards” on Sept. 7, Access Hollywood has learned.
Sources close to MTV confirmed to Access that Michael Phelps would be involved in this year’s “VMAs,” though there’s no word yet on what he’ll do on the show.
On “SNL,” host Phelps will make his acting debut, according to a statement released to Access. He’ll be appearing alongside one of his favorites, musical guest Lil Wayne.
Access the Full Story
August 24, 2008
BEIJING, China --
With help from British star power, China concluded its debut as Olympic host Sunday after 16 days of near-flawless logistics and superlative athletic achievement — coexisting awkwardly with the government’s wariness of dissent and free speech.
A spectacular closing ceremony opened with torrents of fireworks and included a pulsating show-within-a-show by London, host of the 2012 Games. From a stage formed from a red double-decker bus, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page played classic rock hit “Whole Lotta Love” and soccer icon David Beckham booted a ball into the surrounding throng of athletes on the stadium floor.
Access the Full Story
August 24, 2008
LONDON, England --
Look out London, Michael Phelps is coming to the 2012 Games and he’s thinking about adding events to his repertoire.
Access the Full Story
August 22, 2008
BEIJING, China --
The International Olympic Committee has ordered an investigation into the age of Chinese gymnast He Kexin, who could be stripped of her two gold medals if she is in fact 14, instead of the required 16 years of age.
According to U.S. Gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi, the truth is in the teeth.
“You don’t have to be an expert, just look at them,” Karolyi told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson. “Let them smile and you can see! The little baby [teeth] are in their mouth.”
Access the Full Story
August 22, 2008
NEW YORK, N.Y. --
Olympic superstar Michael Phelps will write a book telling the story behind his historic eight gold medal swims just in time for the holiday season, Free Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, announced Friday.
In “Built to Succeed,” Phelps will also cover his philosophy on training and competition, as well as his life being raised by a single mother and coping with an attention-deficit disorder, the publisher said.
Access the Full Story
August 21, 2008
BEIJING, China --
There were tears of joy (and a whole lot of hugging) flowing at Chaoyang Stadium in Beijing Thursday morning as Kerri Walsh & Misty May-Treanor defended their gold medal from Athens in women’s beach volleyball in a dramatic defeat of China.
Shaun Robinson was there in the pouring rain to talk with the gold medal winners.
To find out about Kerri and Misty’s plans for starting a family, click inside.
And catch up with all of the action Thursday night on Access Hollywood.
Access the Full Story
August 22, 2008
BEIJING, China --
It’s been an amazing three weeks bringing you all of the entertainment & cultural coverage our Access Hollywood team could find for you from Beijing.
For the past two weeks, the athletes of these Olympic Games have been the true celebrities and millions of you have been following their dramatic accomplishments, on-air and online.
We’re busy packing our bags and our temporary offices here at the International Broadcast Center and getting ready to board the long flights back to Hollywood and New York.
Much thanks to our local producers: Haitao, Helen & Mary.
From all of the Access Hollywood Beijing team (and Billy and our executive producer, Rob, who are already home), thanks for being a part of our family.
Access the Full Story
August 21, 2008
BEIJING, China --
For as long as he can remember, Tyler Duckworth (pictured, above right) has been an Olympics fanatic.
But in his 26 years on earth, he had never attended the Games. That is, until Beijing in 2008 --- when his personal Olympic dreams finally came true.
“The Olympics mean everything to me,” Tyler shared in an interview with AccessHollywood.com on the Olympic Green. “Most of these athletes will never become millionaires. They’re out there for themselves. And that’s how I feel about my approach to life also.”
Most folks know Tyler from his time as one of the housemates on MTV’s “The Real World: Key West,” (which shot in 2005 and aired in 2006) and while he’s been recognized regularly in China, “The Real World” is an experience that he’s now put far behind him.
More of Tyler’s Olympics story… inside!
August 22, 2008
BEIJING, China --
The U.S. women’s softball team struggled to find a silver lining to the silver medal earned Thursday night in Beijing, especially since this was the last year of Olympic softball. One theory as to why the sport was voted out of the 2012 Olympics — that team U.S.A. has been too dominant, almost never losing.
Ironic now, as Japan ended up celebrating the 2008 gold.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson asked the team on Friday. “I know it was a devastating loss for you ladies.”
“Wearing this uniform, you’re used to winning,” star pitcher Jennie Finch responded. “That’s why — that’s why we did it. But you know in the end, yes, we have a silver medal and a lot of people would dream about that.”
Access the Full Story
August 20, 2008
BEIJING, China --
“Just to represent that flag and wave it up in the air,” gold medalist wrestler Henry Cejudo begins. “It seems like you’re flying (on camera). Aww, I wish I could just relive that again.”
Cejudo seemingly came out of nowhere – a guy who wasn’t expected to medal, let alone, win. Now Cejudo is living both the Olympic dream, and… the American dream.
“It’s the land of opportunity. It’s the best country in the world,” he said to Access.
For more of Henry’s miraculous story, click inside.
Access the Full Story
August 20, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Last night was a hard one for U.S. track & field athlete Lolo Jones.
“I didn’t get much sleep,” she told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson. “I went to bed at probably like 7:30 this morning so, I only got like a couple. I was trying to sleep, but I just could not sleep. It kept repeating in my head and it… it just felt so close.”
Lolo was indeed very close to the gold medal in her event yesterday – the women’s 100m hurdles – she was leading when she tripped on the second-to-last hurdle, finishing 7th.
More reaction to her dramatic evening… inside!
August 21, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Amanda Beard has brotherly love for Michael Phelps.
Following her sarcastic denial of a rumored affair with the Olympic champ, the swimmer told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson that teammate Michael Phelps was “like my little brother.”
See what else she had to say about Phelps… inside!
Access the Full Story
August 20, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Kellogg’s has unveiled a prototype Corn Flakes cover featuring Olympic champ Michael Phelps.
As Phelps’ agent revealed exclusively to Access Hollywood on Monday, Phelps — the winningest Olympian of all time, who scored eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympics alone, will front two cereal boxes for Kellogg’s, due out this fall this fall.
But get a good look at his Corn Flakes box now!
Access the Full Story
August 20, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Nicole Kidman proved to be lady luck personified for the Australian Olympic sailing team.
The actress placed a call to two members of the team – Malcolm Page and Nathan Wilmot — who always named their boats after the star or her films, leaving them messages of good luck before their race in the 470 men’s sailing competition at the Beijing Olympics.
Access the Full Story
August 19, 2008
BEIJING, China --
He’s the face and wild voice of gymnastics in the U.S. — Romanian immigrant Bela Karolyi. He coached Nadia Comaneci and Marry Lou Retton to gold, and who could forget the image of him carrying injured Kerri Strug after her golden vault?
But Bela in Beijing? Not too happy – and not afraid to share his feelings!
Access the Full Story
August 19, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Michael Phelps might have the world’s attention for becoming the winningest Olympian in the history of the games after he scored eight gold medals 2008 Beijing Games, but his mother Debbie Phelps has heads turning when it comes to style.
Access the Full Story
August 19, 2008
LOS ANGELES, Calif --
He has two Kellogg’s cereal box covers in his future, as Access Hollywood exclusively revealed last night, but before fronting his Olympic record-breaking frame on the breakfast aisle, Michael Phelps has become a Sports Illustrated cover star once again.
Phelps, who became the winningest Olympian in the history of the games after he scored eight gold medals in Beijing, makes his fifth appearance as an SI cover star to celebrate his achievement with the magazine’s August 25 issue.
Access the Full Story
August 19, 2008
BEIJING, China --
The story of Lolo Jones is as American as her heartland roots, a tale of victory over hardship, of success through hard work, from a homeless child living in a church basement to a vivacious talent on the brink of stardom.
Access the Full Story
August 19, 2008
BEIJING, China --
With huge larger-than-life stars like Michael Phelps, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James dominating fan interest at these Olympics, it’s amazing that Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor could get any attention.
But guess whom Kobe and LeBron go to check out as spectators when they’re not competing – yep, that’s right, Kerri and Misty!
The beach volleyball court at Chaoyang Stadium was the place to be in Beijing at 9 AM Tuesday morning, when the aforementioned hoop stars were in attendance along with Jason Kidd. And it wasn’t Kobe’s first time to the courts – he went last week as well!
Access the Full Story
August 19, 2008
--
On Monday night, Angelo Taylor, Kerron Clement and Bershawn Jackson did what no Americans have done since the 1960 Rome Olympics – they went 1 – 2 – 3 for the U.S. in the men’s 400m hurdles.
And on Tuesday, the trio talked with Access about what their lives are like when they’re not training or competing.
Silver medalist Kerron is a huge Mariah Carey fan, and said that he listens to her before every meet in his iPod. “Anything Mariah,” Kerron told Access.
More about the terrific trio, inside!
Access the Full Story
August 18, 2008
BEIJING, China --
“Is there a silver lining to the silver medal?” Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson asked Dara Torres, following the two silver medals she won at her finals on Sunday.
“That’s a good analogy,” Dara replied. “The silver lining is that there’s nothing that I could have changed. My coach said I swam the perfect race and I broke the American record. I did my best time by a couple tenths of a second, which is a lot in a 50, so I have to be happy with a silver medal.”
Mother… Olympian… Role model – Dara is all of these things, and more.
More of her post-Olympics experience, inside.
Access the Full Story
August 18, 2008
BEIJING, China --
“Well, Congratulations,” Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson wished tennis champion sisters Venus & Serena Williams following their women’s doubles gold medal win at the Beijing Olympics.
Venus and Serena are golden girls once again; still high from their doubles domination. And they were giddy after earning their second career gold as a team.
But despite their busy Beijing schedules, the style-mavens still found time to shop!
Their fashion adventures… inside!
August 18, 2008
BEIJING, China --
At a press conference for his sponsor Visa on Monday morning, Michael Phelps talked about what his post-Beijing Olympics life has been (and hopes to be) like.
Amongst other things, Michael discussed his training plan for the near & distant future, his goals for London 2012, his call from the President, his plans for Closing Ceremonies, and who he wants to meet most (that he hasn’t already met yet).
To learn about his answers to all of these topics, and much more… click through.
August 19, 2008
BEIJING, China --
It’s week two of the Olympics, and since most of the U.S. swim team is done with their events, Access Hollywood is turning loose their secret weapon – guest correspondent and four-time Olympian, Amanda Beard!
First up for Amanda was an interview Tuesday with none other than her own teammates, at an event at the Speedo House in Beijing.
And she got some very interesting answers from laid-back ladies’ man, Ryan Lochte, who won 2 gold medals and 2 bronzes in Beijing.
More about Ryan’s post-Olympics life plans… including, yes, how he lost is grill… inside.
Plus, what did Michael Phelps say when he joined in on Amanda and Ryan’s interview?
Access the Full Story
August 19, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Shooting might not get the most coverage of all Olympic sports, but that doesn’t mean their gold medals don’t count just as equally in the medal tally.
Case Study A: Houston, Texas native Glenn Eller.
One week ago, Glenn won the gold in the men’s double trap final, hitting 45 of 50 targets to win to best competition from Italy (silver) and China (bronze). His U.S. teammate placed fourth.
Unassuming, polite and modest – Glenn is the type of gold medalist you want to take home to mom. And according to his official page on NBCOlympics.com: he’s single.
More about Glenn and his Olympics experience so far, inside.
Access the Full Story
August 19, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Olympic champ Michael Phelps will be the latest athlete on a cereal box, but it won’t be Wheaties.
There will be “no Wheaties box this time around; it’s going to be Kellogg’s,” Michael’s longtime agent Peter Carlisle exclusively broke to Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush.
The swimmer, who won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, shattering Mark Spitz’s record of seven in a single Olympics, will also be posing for an iconic photo in homage to the famous image of Spitz in an American flag Speedo along with his medals, Peter told Billy.
To find out which specific cereals Michael will model for, click inside!
August 18, 2008
BEIJING, China --
No parent at these Olympic Games is more proud right now than Debbie Phelps – intrepid mother of the greatest Olympic athlete of all time.
“He’s emerged really in this moment as a great icon and role model,” Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush reminds Mama Phelps.
”I am very proud,” Mama tells Billy. ”And there have been many moms who’ve come up to me — grandparents come to me and say, ‘You know, not only is your son a phenomenal athlete, not only do I enjoy him swimming, but I enjoy him as a young man.’ That’s one of the proudest moments you can have as a parent.”
But these highest moments didn’t come without struggle. Inside… more on Michael and Mama’s journey together.
Access the Full Story
August 18, 2008
BEIJING, China --
The Olympic games bring together the best athletes from the world over, and attendance at events is the main thing to do.
But everyone needs to blow off some steam now & then, and as the games carry on and athletes finish their competitions, the nightlife is getting better.
And since nobody can refuse a good party – here’s a list of hot spots that Access has sampled in Beijing (and some that we’ve just heard about, but that we’re excited to check out!).
You’ve got one week of Olympics madness left — so if you’re in town — what are you waiting for?!
Access the Full StoryAugust 17, 2008
BEIJING, China --
U.S. beach volleyball gold medalist (in Athens) Kerri Walsh celebrated her 30th birthday in Beijing on Saturday night, and then put the icing on the cake on Sunday with a win over Brazil that put her and partner Misty May-Treanor into the final four.
The 21-18, 21-15 victory in two sets lead the pair to their 106th consecutive victory.
Earlier in the week, Walsh told Access Hollywood’s own Billy Bush that nothing would make for a sweeter 30th than another gold medal in Beijing.
“Are you excited for your birthday here in Beijing,” Billy asked Kerri.
“Absolutely,” she replied emphatically. “What better way to celebrate then with another gold?!”
Access the Full Story
August 17, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Michael Phelps is the world’s biggest celebrity right now, after going 8 for 8 in ‘08 — winning a record 8 gold medals in swimming for the U.S. at the Beijing Olympic Games.
“This is everything I’ve ever wanted to do, and everything I’ve ever dreamed of,” Phelps told NBC’s Bob Costas in an interview at the Water Cube following his race. “I’ve had the best week of my life.”
More details on Michael’s winning relay… inside!
Access the Full Story
August 16, 2008
BEIJING, China --
The 2008 Beijing Olympic games are in full swing — one week down… one to go! Competitors are breaking records across the board and competing against insurmountable odds. Perhaps their stories will someday play out on the silver screen. Until then, here’s a look our Top 10 classic Olympic-inspired films.
Continue reading to see the list!
Access the Full Story
August 17, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Hollywood is certainly paying attention to Olympic superhero Michael Phelps – his story likely will stretch wide swaths through the entertainment industry. And now, even Lindsay Lohan is chiming in.
Back in Athens in 2004, Access Hollywood asked Michael which Hollywood celebrity he’d most like to meet.
“Lindsay Lohan,” he told us then. “She’s pretty hot.”
So what did Lindsay tell Billy to say to Michael today? And what was Michael’s (and his mom’s!) reaction?
Click inside to find out!
Access the Full Story
August 15, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Michael Phelps has been pure gold — in more ways than one.
One -- he’s literally golden with (so far) six Olympic gold medals swinging around his chest. And he’s likely to add two more gold medals to his collection, pushing him past Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals in a single Olympic games.
Access the Full Story
August 15, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Nastia’s mother, Anna Liukin, learned the news about her daughter’s gold medal in the women’s gymnastics individual all-around — in a text — because she was too nervous to attend the event.
Fitting, perhaps, for a young 18-year-old, whose favorite show on TV is “Gossip Girl.” She says her favorite character is Nate (Chace Crawford). She also likes “The Hills,” and says that she’s a bigger fan of LC than of Heidi.
Before the competition, Anna sent Nastia a text message, saying “Stay Focused And Have Fun! Text Me When You Done. Love You.”
The rest of their text conversation… inside.
Access the Full Story
August 15, 2008
BEIJING, China --
“Champ, we’re trying in the media to find different ways of putting this,” Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush pontificated to the biggest star in Beijing right now. ”And the latest we’ve heard is that if you were your own nation, the People’s Republic of Phelps-istan, you’d be tied with Korea for gold medals in third.”
“I have no clue what to say,” Phelps said, literally, almost speechless at Billy’s analogy.
“It’s cool, I’m having fun and everything so far has gone as planned.”
With his mom and sisters cheering him on, Michael once again crushed the field, this time in the 200m individual medley. The victory was made even sweeter as his teammate and good friend, the very laid-back Ryan Lochte, brought home the bronze.
And it wasn’t a half-bad day for the rest of the U.S. swimming team; with huge victories also for Rebecca Soni & Natalie Coughlin.
Access the Full Story
August 18, 2008
BEIJING, China --
During August and September, The Coca-Cola Company’s is making a visible commitment to environmental stewardship through T-shirts being worn by the world’s greatest athletes at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
Coca-Cola is providing every 2008 Olympian and Paralympian arriving in Beijing with a unique item from its new line of “sustainable fashion”: Coca-Cola T-shirts or visors made from a blend of cotton and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the material widely used for plastic beverage bottles.
More details, inside.
Access the Full Story
August 14, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Tonight, the USA women’s gymnastics team is going for redemption in the individual all-around competition after China edged them out for team gold. Mary Lou Retton, America’s sweetheart from the 1984 games, knows a thing or two about coming back and winning.
She sat down in Beijing, China, with Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush, where she gave him insight into the upcoming match ups.
Access the Full Story
August 14, 2008
BEIJING, China --
Michael Phelps is not only an 11-time Olympic gold medalist, but he eats like a champ too.
Phelps, who recently became the winningest Olympic athlete ever, eats 12,000 calories day, according to a report in the NY Post.
Access the Full Story
August 14, 2008
BEIJING, China --
After making unexpected appearances at the past three Olympic Games, the United States team beret is officially retired - laid to rest between moon boots and the cummerbund in the cemetery of fashion faux pas.
This follows a mutual agreement made last December by Roots Ltd. and the United States Olympic Committee to end their six-year partnership because of creative differences over designs for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team uniform.
Despite past success, the USOC was hoping to move beyond the informal stylings of the Canadian manufacturer in favor of a more polished, distinctly American aesthetic.
Suddenly out of a deal and with the Beijing Games on the horizon, the USOC found themselves treading the unfamiliar waters of the fashion world. Luckily, they knew just the men to call - Tom Brokaw… and Ralph Lauren.
Access the Full Story
RSS Feeds
