Michael Fred Phelps II is a former American competitive swimmer and with a total of 28 medals the most successful and decorated Olympic athlete of all time. Phelps also holds the historic records for Olympic gold medals, Olympic gold medals in individual competitions, and Olympic medals at individual events.
Michael Phelps has two elder sisters, Hilary and Whitney, who played a significant role in molding him into a world-class swimmer by introducing him to swimming at a tender age, allowing him to accompany them to their swimming sessions.
He is sometimes called by the nickname MP or The Baltimore Bullet.
Michael Phelps suffered from Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a child.
Michael Phelps eats around 12,000 calories of food every day.
Michael started swimming when he was about 7 years old. Due to the fear of putting his head underwater, he first learned the backstroke swimming technique.
He received a $1M bonus from Speedo for winning at least 7 gold medals in one Olympics.
Michael was about 15 years old when he broke the world record in swimming, becoming the youngest ever swimmer to break the record, a record which he holds to this day.
If Michael Phelps was a country, he’d be ranked 32nd on the all-time medal count. That’s all-time, as in everything a country has won in 120 years and 28 Summer Olympics.
On 9th August 2016, Michael became the oldest male swimmer to win an individual gold medal. However, four days later, the 35-year-old Anthony Ervin became the oldest swimmer in Olympic history to win a gold medal.
Only 46 countries on the planet have won more total medals than Phelps.
The medals he garnered throughout his swimming career secured him 26 positions in the Guinness World Records.
Starting in Athens, Phelps has medaled in 44% of every men’s swimming event at the Olympics. There have been 64 races, Phelps has competed in 29 and medaled in 28.
After the 2004 summer Olympics, the city of Baltimore, which is Michael’s city of birth, named one of its streets Michael Phelps Way.
Phelps is one of three athletes in history to win the same event at four straight Olympics. Al Oerter won the discus from 1956-1968. Carl Lewis won the long jump from 1984-1996. And Phelps has won the 200 IM from 2004-2016.
He swam 50 miles every week in preparation for the 2008 summer Olympics.
The United States would have lost the medal count title in Athens if not for Michael Phelps. U.S. athletes won 38 golds (32 without Phelps) compared to China’s 34.
His estimated net worth is about $80 million. Most of his earnings came from an endorsement by big brands, and this made him one of the richest Olympians.
Michael Phelps set 10 world records in winning those 23 golds and five more Olympic and/or American records.
In 2007, Michael tripped and fell on his wrist, causing the scaphoid bone in his wrist to fracture.
In a 24-hour span on August 15-16, 2004, Phelps won two bronze medals. In the 4,380 days since, he’s won nothing but gold or silver.
Michael Phelps also likes to play golf.
After his parents divorced in the early ’90s, Michael went to live with his mother, Debbie, a middle school principal. To date, Michael has little contact with his biological father.
Despite first learning the backstroke swimming technique, Michael prefers the butterfly technique because it propels him faster. In fact, the butterfly stroke has won him numerous world records.
Whenever he went on a break with his U.S. Olympic swim team, Michael would join the rest in some carpool karaoke jam session.
Michael has three sons whom he loves so much.
Michael founded the Michael Phelps Foundation in 2007, aiming to promote healthy living, water safety, and nurturing dreams. He helped thousands of kids to swim safely.
In 2016, Michael married Nichole Johnson, an American model and beauty queen. Nicole is a former Miss California, and has also contested in the Miss USA beauty pageant.
Shaquille O’Neal swam against Michael Phelps in 2015.
Michael had nick-names such as MP, Deep Sea Frog, and the Half-Man Half-Fish. While fans called him these names, his teammates named him Gomer.
Michael Phelps FAQs: Unveiling the Legend
Michael Phelps is synonymous with swimming greatness. Here are some FAQs to quench your thirst for knowledge about this iconic athlete:
1. How many Olympic medals does Michael Phelps have?
Michael Phelps holds the record for the most Olympic medals of all time, with a staggering total of 28. This incredible feat includes a record-breaking 23 gold medals and 3 silver medals.
2. When and where did Michael Phelps compete in the Olympics?
Phelps’ Olympic career spanned an impressive five Olympic Games:
- 2000 Sydney Olympics (1 medal – 5th place in 200-meter butterfly)
- 2004 Athens Olympics (8 medals – 6 gold, 2 bronze)
- 2008 Beijing Olympics (8 medals – 8 gold)
- 2012 London Olympics (4 medals – 4 gold)
- 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics (5 medals – 5 gold)
3. What are some of Michael Phelps’ most notable achievements?
- Winning eight gold medals at a single Olympics (2008 Beijing) – an unprecedented feat.
- Holding the record for most Olympic gold medals in individual events (13).
- Setting numerous world records throughout his career, many of which still stand today.
- Becoming the first American male swimmer to qualify for five Olympic teams (2016 Rio).
4. When did Michael Phelps retire from swimming?
After his historic performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Michael Phelps announced his retirement from competitive swimming.
5. What is Michael Phelps known for outside of swimming?
- Overcoming challenges: Phelps has openly discussed his struggles with ADHD and depression, inspiring others facing similar challenges.
- Philanthropy: He established the Michael Phelps Foundation to promote water safety and healthy living for children.
- Advocacy: Phelps is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding it.
6. Where did Michael Phelps get his start in swimming?
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Phelps’ parents enrolled him in swimming lessons at a young age due to his boundless energy and childhood diagnosis of ADHD. He quickly showed exceptional talent and joined the prestigious North Baltimore Aquatic Club at the age of seven.
7. What is Michael Phelps’ nickname?
Michael Phelps has been nicknamed “MP,” “The Baltimore Bullet,” and even “The Flying Fish” due to his incredible speed and dominance in the pool.
8. What are some fun facts about Michael Phelps?
- Due to his high metabolism, Phelps reportedly consumed around 12,000 calories daily during his peak training years.
- He received a $1 million bonus from Speedo for winning at least seven gold medals in a single Olympics (2008 Beijing).
- Nicknamed “Gomer” by his teammates, a playful reference to the goofy yet lovable character from the television show “Gilligan’s Island.”
9. What is Michael Phelps doing now?
Since retiring from competitive swimming, Michael Phelps has remained involved in the sport as a coach and commentator. He also focuses on his family, philanthropy, and mental health advocacy.
10. Is Michael Phelps considered the greatest swimmer of all time?
With his unmatched Olympic medal haul, numerous world records, and sustained dominance, Michael Phelps is widely regarded as the greatest swimmer of all time. His impact on the sport and his inspiring journey continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
