In honor of Michael Phelps‘s 30th birthday, SwimSwam’s top commenter, Bobo Gigi, has compiled a list of some of his favorite moments from Phelps’ long career. At this point in his life, Phelp’s has spent more than half of his life in the world’s spot light. In 2000, he qualified for his first Olympic team at only 15 years old and went on to final in the 200 butterfly at the Games in Sydney, Australia.
That swim in 2000 was the only race in which Michael Phelps failed to earn an Olympic medal until the 400 IM in 2012. Of the 24 Olympic events he has competed in at the Olympic Games, he has earned 22 Olympic medals, 18 of which are Gold.
Below is a list of some of Bobo’s favorite Michael Phelps moments over his career:
Bobo, I love how you comment on an article you practically wrore
A wonderful job and a wonderful list. You rock. I would add the documentary he made with Aaron Crocker when Phelps was 19 called “Unfiltered”. Ironically there is a piece in it where Phelps turns 20 and the cameraman asks Bob Bowman why he isn’t getting the day off. Bowman replies we don’t do that, we don’t get days off. Guess what, he isn’t getting his 30th birthday off either!
Just a little correction for Crocker : it’s Ian Crocker and Aaron Piersol .
Oh no! and you know what makes that even more embarrassing? I am a University of Texas grad. I have seen them swim tons. Why did you get 2 down arrows for that correction? It was spot on.
Obviously the 4×100 in Beijing was awesome. I have seen an underwater version of this race which is spectacular. But i can’t find it anymore. anyone know of it?
Looking at his stroke is my favorite of Phelps. Great to teach from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G72NZOrAx5k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5d2_iquQMc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd67PMryIT0
Does anyone have any videos from 2002 pan pacs?
I had never seen that 400 free relay fromt he 2005 worlds champs in Canada . Damn relay that was . Usa had more than 2 body lenghts on the field for about 300 meters . And i never really heard about their 3d leg swimmer Nate Dusing !!! Impressive swim by him too . Neil walker was flying on th second leg . Amazing race .
Bummer that NBC edited out most of the post race celebration by MP in the 2009 world champs 100 fly. I love how fired up he was. Swimming is too PC sometimes…..
My favorite moments between 2001 and 2003, when Phelps supremacy in the swimming world began to shape up.
30/3/2001: the first WR in Austin (Jamal Lee, historic swimming-pool for Phelps from that time), 200 fly in 1.54.92, as the youngest WR holder at the age of 15 years and 9 months.
2002: Ft. Lauderdale, trials for Panpacs, WR in the 400 im (4.11.09) to beat the historical record of Tom Dolan (4.11.94).
2003: At Nationals Phelps was the first swimmer to win in 3 different strokes (first in 200 free, 200 back and 100 fly) and in Santa Clara, 1 day before his 18th birthday, Phelps beat another historical WR in the 200 im: 1.57.94 (previous 1.58.16 from Jari Sievinen).… Read more »