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A Natural Born Swimmer
United States Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, was born on this day. Proud parents are Debbie and Fred Phelps. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland. -
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Michael Phelps
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Dealing with ADHD
In sixth grade, Michael Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD. Because of it he often got bullied and made fun of. It was also cutting into his education. He had trouble concentrating. In an interview with CBS, he said that being in the water seems to surpass his ADHD. It seems as if he doesn’t have it. -
Passing on a Tradition
Michael took interest in what his sisters wanted to do. He took interest in swimming! He was always fascinated by his sisters’ abilities to swim very well, so he wanted to do the same. He took swim lessons and training at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club when he was ten. That was the start of his career. -
The Start of a Swimmer
Michael Phelps took his training to bigger levels. He decided to try out for the 2000 Summer Olympics. At age 15, Michael and his coach, Bob Bowman, went to the 2000 Summer Olympic Trials, hoping to find themselves on the team. -
Like Sister, Like Brother
After Michael made the trials his sister was very proud of him. He took the career that she wasn't able to perform and went through with it. Whitney, Michael's sister, wishes the best for her brother and his Olympic journey. -
Made the U.S. Swim Team!
Michael has done it. His and Coach Bowman get to move on to a greater goal. Michael made the U.S. swim team! He successfully got through the trials. -
World Championships
In the 2001 World Championships World Aquatics, Michael broke not only his record, but the world record for the 200-meter butterfly. Butterfly is one of the hardest strokes in swimming, so good for Phelps! -
Pan Pacific
Once again, Michael set another world record, but this time for the breaststroke! At the 2002 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, Phelps and his great coach set the record for breast stroking. -
Congrats!
On April 19, 2003, Michael Phelps graduated from Towson High School. He was planning to go to State Michigan College at the time, and he stuck with that plan! After high school, he ended up going to State Michigan College. -
Under the Influence
In 2007, Michael had a big hole to pull himself out of. He got arrested for DUI. After all the charges and such were dealt with, Michael decided to be the bigger person and gave a speech at a local high school about the dangers of drinking and driving. He apologized publicly and said it was a stupid decision to make. -
Rumors...
What is being an athlete all about if you don't have rumors to back you up? Almost every famous person has had rumors spread about them doing this and that, but this one really hurt Phelps and his family. In 2008, he was accused of doping due to the coach of the Chinese swim team claiming he was doing 'too well'. Michael was offended. He has pure ability and doesn’t take enchanting drugs to make his performance better. Proof, He passed all tests! -
Survival
This past summer, the summer Olympics were held in London. This was Michael Phelps's last Olympics. Afterwards, he chose to retire from swimming. Bob Bowman is said to still coach other U.S. swimmers. -
A Very Decorated Olympian
Michael retired with his head held high and lots of pride. He officially walked out of the 2012 London Olympics with 71 medals. And 57 of those are gold! Michael has done a great deed not only for himself, but his team and his viewers that root for him during the Olympics! -
Head Held High
As the 2012 London Summer Olympics was taking an end, so was Michael's career. He didn't leave empty handed though. During that Olympics, he went home with six new medals for himself and for the team. Two of those medals were silver, and four of them were gold. -
Comign Back Already?
In an interview, Michael said that he misses the Olympics. He also said that he might come back, but get this: He said he might take up Golf or Horseback Riding. That might seem weird to most, but Michael has had experience with these sports when he was younger as well.
