Michael ‘F’ Phelps: His Middle Initial Can Mean So Many Things

The most decorated Olympian of all-time, Michael Phelps, certainly made his mark at his 5th and final Games appearance. Racing his way to 5 gold medals, along with 1 silver in Rio, the 31-year-old further cemented his legacy in the pool, as he retires from the sport to which he contributed so very much. As he now looks ahead to family life and his new role as volunteer assistant at Arizona State University, the rest of us are left to realize the entirety of the GOAT’s impact on the sport of swimming for years yet to come.

On a conceptual level, the name ‘Michael F. Phelps’ will forever be synonymous with success, determination, perseverance and dedication. More practically, Phelps’ initials ‘MP’ will be lasered across his signature brand of swimwear and equipment via his AquaSphere collaboration.

But, where within the living legend’s legacy will his middle initial, ‘F’ land in the history books? Yes, it stands for ‘Fred’, the name of his father, with whom the swimmer has had a rocky relationship. But, it’s easy to tack on other meanings to his middle initial, all of which represent who Phelps is as a competitor.

Michael FAMOUS Phelps

You can usually count on any occasional swim fan calling out ‘Michael Phelps‘ as the one familiar name when asked to identify an athlete from within the sport of swimming. Phelps’ face has graced the Wheaties Box a record 3 times, he has hosted Saturday Night Live, appeared as a special guest on the MTV Video Music Awards, as well as broadcast several Facebook Live posts leading up to the Olympics. Add to that the fact that the man has stood on a Oylmpic podium 28 times, and it’s no stretch to think the middle initial of ‘F’ in MP’s name could indeed stand for famous.

Michael FEROCIOUS Phelps

One of the most memorable images from the entirety of the 2016 Olympic Games was the scowl Phelps beamed while in the ready room before the men’s 200m butterfly final. With South African rival Chad Le Clos shadow boxing in the foreground, the #PhelpsFace was born, complete with a steely glare and the mother of all grimaces.

That one moment epitomized Phelps’ legendary focus and intensity. His ability to shut out all else when preparing for a race and executing the plan known only to him was conducted on such a high level, ferocity barely scratches the surface.

Michael FALLEN Phelps

The story of Phelps throughout his career is one of success, followed by a falling from grace, capped off by redemption, as the swimmer has been in the public eye for the entirety of his teenage and adult life. Breaking a world record at 15 years old, Phelps saw stardom early, which came to a head in 2008 when he did what some thought was impossible, winning 8 gold medals at an Olympic Games.

What followed, however, was less spectacular, with Phelps admitting his 2012 Olympic Games preparation was anything but dedicated and he ultimately hit rock bottom in 2014 after being arrested for a DUI, his 2nd. After seeking treatment and finding a new purpose in life through therapy, friends and family, Phelps grew into a revitalized person and competitor, which wasn’t more evident as he stood atop the podium in Rio, tears welling in his eyes.

Michael FIT-AS-HELL Phelps

In March of this year, Phelps commented that he was “probably the most cut” he’s ever been in his life. Phelps not only attributed his hard-earned, envious figure to weight-training and what he was doing in the pool, but he pointed out his alcohol abstinence has also played a major role. His poolside images disseminated around social media further advertised his mean and lean physique, which is also became a legend in itself.

Michael FACIAL HAIR-CLAD Phelps

Almost as head-turning as his physique is the man’s ability to grow facial hair at the rate most of us brush our teeth. His Facebook Live posts and public appearances were riddled with images of a scraggly beard, which wound up symbolizing the shape his body and mind were in during the undoubtedly ridiculously difficult training regimen he was undertaking. When the beard came off, however, the world knew it was game time for Phelps in the pool.

Michael FATHER Phelps

As much as fans wish for an autograph or selfie with Phelps, as of late they’ve also thrown a few elbows to get a glimpse at the cute ball of chub nearby that is his son, Boomer Phelps. Just months old, Boomer already has his own Instagram account, complete with 664,000 followers.

Michael has proudly posted pictures of Boomer being held lovingly by himself and fiancée Nicole Johnson and the kiddo’s star-spangled outfits were the talk of Rio. Phelps is clearly a changed man from his darker days and has cited his relationship with Nicole and the new role of father as big contributors of his life’s new, happier path.

Michael FOREVER Phelps

When Phelps last stepped on the podium in Rio, it was bittersweet for swim fans around the world. We walked this journey with him, his ups and downs, successes and failures. We’re not exactly sure what a “Phelps-less” swimming world will be like. But, we do know there’s no denying he has given us a gift of inspiration and glory, along with erosion-proof memories that will last for generations to come.