U.S. anthem cut short at Water Cube
By Associated Press
Posted Saturday, August 9, 2008 10:53 PM ET

BEIJING (AP) - Michael Phelps had his right hand on his heart, an Olympic gold medal around his neck and was listening to the closing notes of "The Star-Spangled Banner" when the music went dead Sunday.

Phelps broke into a wide grin and the surprised crowd, at first unsure what to do, then began clapping. When the music didn't resume, Phelps, teammate Ryan Lochte, the bronze medalist, and silver medalist Laszlo Cseh of Hungary gathered on the top spot of the medals podium for photographers.

The glitch occurred as President Bush, wife Laura and daughter Barbara, and his father, former President Bush, were in attendance at the Water Cube.