Aquaman Returns - Michael Phelps on the Cover of Latest ESPN The Magazine - part of 2008 Olympics Preview; New Newsstand Date.

Red Sox's Dustin Pedroia Lights up Beantown

Chuck Klosterman on Kobe and Shaq

NEW YORK -- Once again Michael Phelps is poised to do the impossible. In the new issue of ESPN The Magazine Eric Adelson presents cover story "And After That, Mr. Phelps Will Leap A Tall Building In A Single Bound," wherein he reports on how America's favorite superhero plans to win an unprecedented eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Adelson provides an inside look into the top eight "threats" that could keep Phelps from reaching his goal - and gives answers for how the swimming superstar plans to overcome these obstacles:

[TABLE OMITTED]

Also in The Mag's 2008 Olympic preview an amazing spread that showcases how "Girl Power" rules at the OlympicsOfeaturing--beach volleyball players Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, basketball phenom Candace Parker, swimmers Natalie Coughlin and Katie Hoff, sprinter Allyson Felix and gymnast Shawn Johnson. The preview also includes stories on the world's most dominant sprinter Jeremy Wariner; 53 tips from 14 athletes on how to watch the Olympics; and a sampling of the hot-button issues getting activists and athletes fired up.

In BaseballOHe's not as tall as Big Papi or as rich as Manny, but Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia is lighting up Beantown. "In 170 Pounds of Mouth," writer Jeff Bradley reports on the 2007 Rookie of the Year, a loudmouth sparkplug who energizes the Red Sox with a stream of smack:

* "C'mon, I'm like 5'2" 115. And this game's tough. I try to bring a loose attitude and make sure everyone's having fun. Hang around our team long enough and you'll see that most of the jokes are on me." - Dustin Pedroia

* "Yeah He's one of a kind. He and I work out at the same place in Arizona in the off-season, and I've seen him call out NFL players during ping-pong games, asking them when they're starting Jenny Craig. He told Brady Quinn, who is a monster, a physical specimen, 'I'm going to rip this ball right out of your throat.' He's a piece of work." - Brian Roberts, Orioles second baseman.

Additionally, Chuck Klosterman talks about the true hatred between former teammates Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.

Other features in the latest issue of ESPN The Magazine include:

DON'T BLAME THE MAN UPSTAIRS. When it comes to winning NASCAR, a driver's BFF isn't his crew chief or gas man. It's a voice from above - and we're not talking about the good Lord. Ryan McGee reports.

VIVA SANCHEZ. Being the starting QB at USC has it perks. But Mark Sanchez stumbled on an unexpected one: a newfound love for his Mexican roots. Jorge Arangure Jr. reports.

The new issue of ESPN The Magazine will be on sale Friday, August 1st. The Magazine will continue to go on sale biweekly on Friday's.

Go to ESPNthemag.com for exclusive video featuring NFL Quartet Sweat Spot, and Mark Sanchez's family BBQ.

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