Michael Phelps denies he is dating Amanda Beard

"No, I'm not dating Amanda Beard," said Phelps who broke the record for most gold medals in one Olympic games, winning eight at this year's Games.

"I'll say that. I think she has a boyfriend," he said in an interview via satellite from China.

When asked if he is dating someone, the American athlete also added he reserves part of his life to himself.

"I'm able to relax and be with my friends. Those pretty much are the only people who really know the answer to that question," Phelps said.

Amanda Beard is a U.S. swimmer who has modeled for Playboy magazine. She was recently photographed naked for an advertising campaign against wearing fur products.