It is not everyday that someone gets to train with the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, unless of course you are Allison Schmitt. The pair have been training together for over ten years and have developed a special friendship over that period of time, one that has enabled Phelps to see Schmitt “at her absolute best, as well as at her absolute worst.” The way these two elite athletes interact with each other is infectious, as each smiles brighter and bigger the more they chat.
In a candid interview conducted on-deck at the U.S. Summer Nationals earlier this month, both Phelps and Schmitt made it clear that neither would be where they are at if it weren’t for each other. Schmitt specifically states that “I’ve had a few rough years, but I’m now on the up-slope. I’ve got a lot of work to do, but I’m happy with where I’m at.” She says she relishes any advice Phelps gives her, as she “really takes what Michael says to heart.”
Schmitt swam well in San Antonio, finishing 6th overall in the women’s 400m freestyle, but coming away with the runner-up title in the 200m freestyle event. This was on top of having already earned gold in the 200m freestyle event at the Pan American Games earlier this summer. In that Toronto meet, Schmitt was also an integral part of the gold medal-winning women’s 4x200m freestyle relay and 4×100 medley relay, as well as the 4×100 freestyle relay that claimed silver.
At the time of the interview, Phelps had only swum the 200m butterfly prelims thus far at Nationals, but he essentially foreshadowed his San Antonio performances, saying “hopefully I can build on that [prelim] with a couple of good swims.” Of course, Phelps would go on to throw down the world’s fastest times in his next three finals, the 200m butterfly, 100m butterfly and 200m IM.
Both Schmitt and Phelps will be moving to Tempe, Arizona to train outdoors year round under new Arizona State University Head Coach, Bob Bowman. In the interview, both athletes say they “really enjoy change” and see the move as a new beginning. The fact that there won’t be any snow on the ground this winter is also a bonus.
I LOVED this interview! I especially liked Michael’s comment that he’s seen a lot more smiles out of Allison than tears. Apparently Phelps is not only the GOAT swimmer; he’s also a good friend. Good luck in 2016, Michael and Allison!
I LOVED this interview! I especially liked Michael’s comment that he’s seen a lot more smiles out of Allison than tears; apparently Phelps is not only the GOAT swimmer, but also a good friend! Good luck in 2016 Michael and Allison!
#squadgoals
that’s a good example of true friendship that you & me could rarely find all throughout our lives. 😀 😀 best wishes to Michael & Allison for success, happiness & excellence in all their future endeavours!!! God bless them both. <3
go MP!
go Allison!
😀 😀 😀
I think this type of friendship is very precious and happened more with people who does sports where male and female can train or work alongside each other. you have a common understanding of what each other going through and encouraged each other to reach for the next level. Those are one of a kind friendship and last for a long long time, even well after each has moved around and not necessary seeing each other regularly.
skrrrt friend zone city right there
hes engaged with a very beautiful woman, its normal to have good friends of the other sex
One might also point out that Phelps fiancée asked Allison to be her maid of honor, so I doubt there’s anything more going on there.
No girl wants to be the bridesmaid .
It’s Bride or bust!
Emory Law Journal . Ronald C Den Otter
‘Three may not be a crowd . The case for constitutional right to plural marriage .’
I don’t know whether this would be the B Final or the Silver Medallist .
Up vote. Everybody else is having a sense of humour failure.