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Birth
biography.comMichael Phelps was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Fred and Debbie Phelps. He has two older sisters, Whitney and Hillary. His dad was a state trooper, and his mom was a middle school principal. -
Learns to Swim
Biography
Even though Michael's sisters were locally competitive swimmers, young Michael was afraid to put his head underwater. His swimming instructors encouraged him to float on his back. He soon mastered the backstroke. -
Diagnosed with ADHD
Everyday HealthMichael's teachers said he couldn't pay attention in class. His mother thought he was just bored, but after five years of hearing the same thing, she decided to take him to the pediatrition. He was diagnosed with ADHD. -
Decisions
BiographyAfter seeing Tom Malchow and Tom Dolan compete at the Summer Games in the Olympics at Atlanta, Michael decided he wanted to become a swimming champion. -
Meeting the Coach
Michael began his training under swim coach Bob Bowman for the North Baltimore Aquatic Club at the Meadowbrook Aquatic and Fitness Center. This is a fairly unique opportunity because most kids do not get private coaches, nor do they have aquatic clubs and fitness centers nearby. During this time he began an intense training schedule. -
Olympics at age 15
ESPNAt the age of 15, Phelps became the youngest American male swimmer to compete at an Olympic Games in 68 years. At the Sydney Summer Olympics he didn't earn a medal, but gained a wealth of experiene. This is a unique opportunity for him because most swimmers his age are competing against others their age. Also, most Olympic swimmers do not qualify until they are older. So, he potentially can return many more times to the Olympics without being a "Rookie Olympian." -
2004 Athens Olympic Training
DiscoveryPhelps trains in the pool six days per week,including holidays, and circuit trains with weights three times per week.
He's usually at the pool by 6:30 am where he swims for an average six hours a day or around 8 miles per day. Phelps also lifts weights to add explosive speed to his regimen, spending around an hour 3 days a week lifting weights as well as one hour three days a week stretching his muscles.
This adds up to over 2,200 hours each year. -
Built to Swim
USA Today
Michael Phelps has an unusually long torso which allows him to ride high on the water. His ankles, knees, elbows and shoulder joints are rubber-band flexible. His wingspan is 3 inches longer than his 6-4 height. His size 14, double-jointed feet move like flippers, which help power him through the water.This is a unique opportunity because his genetic design is built for swimming. -
2004 Athens Olympic Results
Top End SportsMichael's Winnings
400m individual medley,4:08.26 WR,1st
4x100m freestyle relay,3:14:62,3rd
200m freestyle,1:45.32 AR,3rd
200m butterfly,1:54.04 OR,1st
4x200m freestyle relay,7:07.33,1st
200m individual medley,1:57.14 OR,1st
100m butterfly,0:51.25 OR,1st
4x100m medley relay,3:31:54 WR,1st
AR: American Record
OR: Olympic Record
WR: World Record -
2008 Beijing Olympic Results
Top End Sports8 GOLD Medals: Phelps becomes the most decorated Olympian of ALL time!
100 m butterfly 50.58 (OR)
200 m butterfly 1:52.03 (WR)
200 m freestyle 1:42.96 (WR)
200 m individual medley 1:54.23 (WR)
400 m individual medley 4:03.84 (WR)
4×100 m freestyle relay 3:08.24 (WR)
4×200 m freestyle relay 6:58.56 (WR)
4×100 m medley relay 3:29.34 (WR) -
2012 London Olympics
Top End SportsPhelps brings home 4 Gold and 2 Silver Medals
100 m butterfly 51.21 (1st)
200 m individual medley 1:54.27 (1st)
4×200 m freestyle relay 6:59.70 (1st)
4×100 m medley relay 3:29.35 (1st)
200 m butterfly 1:53.01 (2nd)
4×100 m freestyle relay 3:10.38 (2nd)
