Fans flock to see Olympian Phelps in Hoffman

More than 1,000 fans showed up Saturday morning to get an autograph from Olympian Michael Phelps in Hoffman Estates.

Holding swim caps, posters, t-shirts, and other items in hopes of the getting them signed, fans waited in line outside the Sports Authority, some beginning very early Saturday morning.

Fans cheered Phelps when he appeared from behind a black curtain and hundreds took photographs of the Olympian with digital cameras and cell phones.

Many fans, though, were disappointed that Phelps was not allowed to sign any items except a small card with a photo of him on one side and an advertisement for a sports drink on the other. One fan was asked to leave the store by a Hoffman Estates police officer after asking Phelps whether he thought the event was a good public relations move.

Phelps signed autographs for more than two hours.

Many of the people in line to meet Phelps wore Halloween costumes. One young girl dressed as the swimmer -- complete with gold medals -- and wore the get-up into the store to show Phelps himself.

A 2-year-old boy gave Phelps a spider ring that the medalist wore throughout the signing.