Michael Phelps

View Michael Phelps's Biography

“If you want to be the best, you have to do things other people aren’t willing to do.”

In Briefs: Prelims from Austin Elite Meet Day 1

Full Name:	Michael Phelps
Nickname(s):	The Baltimore Bullet, Mr. Swimming, GOAT
Born:	June 30th, 1985
	Towson, Maryland, USA
Nationality:	United States
Status:	Retired

Michael Fred Phelps II is known principally as the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 28 Olympic medals, 23 of them gold, spanning over four Olympic Games. He has actually competed at five Olympics; however, he did not medal at his first Games in Sydney, Australia. He is recognized for his formidable butterfly, though he also specializes in individual medleys and the 100 and 200-meter freestyle. At 31-years-old, Phelps retired from swimming as the greatest of all-time. His retirement came just days after finishing his fifth Olympics with five golds and a silver medal. In the beginning Michael Phelps was born in Towson, Maryland on June 30, 1985 to Fred and Debbie Phelps. While following in the wake of his two older sisters, Whitney and Hilary, a young Phelps was initially fearful of putting his face in the water. However, he overcame this discomfort and, in 1996, was inspired by the performances of Tom Malchow and Tom Dolan during the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Shortly thereafter, he joined the North Baltimore Athletic Club, where he met Bob Bowman, the coach who would see him through the highs and lows of the rest of his career. 2000 Olympic Games Though Phelps struggled in school …

In Briefs: Prelims from Austin Elite Meet Day 1

Missy Franklin topped the 100 free prelim in Austin.

The Calamity of the Women’s 200 IM at Trials; Phelps-Lochte III

“200 IM Olympic Trials Preview: Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte will thrill and chill the Omaha crowd.” (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

Last Dress Rehearsals before Trials

Michael Phelps and Missy Franklin will be in Austin, while Kosuke Kitajima and Stephanie Rice will be in Santa Clara. Some of the biggest names from this summer’s games are in action this weekend. (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

5 Things to Watch at 2012 Santa Clara Grand Prix

Even without Phelps and Lochte, Tyler Clary should get a good test in the 400 IM in Santa Clara. (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

2012 Longhorn Aquatics Elite Invite Preview: Peirsol on the Mic

Missy Franklin will be among the swimmers opting for Austin over Santa Clara.

Picks: The King and Queen of the 100 Fly Will Reign at Trials

Michael Phelps is the man in the 100 fly for the Americans, and the true anchor of he medley relay. (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

Sprint News 5/24/12: Phelps a Baltimore Icon; Georgia Scores First Olympic Qualifier

What a welcome

Ryan Lochte, Vogue Cover Video & Industry News

(Photo Courtesy © Tim Binning, TheSwimPictures.com)

A Happy Homecoming for Ricky Berens

Give Garrett 5 minutes and he’ll catch you up on everything you need to know from the Charlotte UltraSwim, German Olympic Trials, and the CIF Central Coast High School Championships. (Photo Courtesy © Tim Binning, TheSwimPictures.com)

Sprint News 5/14/12: Thompson to the Hall; SwimMAC Adds Another

Baker heads to Charlotte, And Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin caused some buzz at the #mediasummit

Present Michael Phelps an Award

Ever wonder what it’s like to present Michael Phelps with an award? Take a GoPro point of view trip and see for yourself. (Photo Courtesy © Tim Binning, TheSwimPictures.com)

Phelps Wraps up GP Career on Saturday in Charlotte

On night 3 of the Ultraswim we saw a top 2012 time from Rebecca Soni and a coming out party for Katie Ledecky. (Photo Courtesy © Tim Binning, TheSwimPictures.com)

Ricky Berens, 200 Free Winner, 1:47.32

“Olympic Gold Medalist Ricky Berens trumps Michael Phelps before his hometown crowd.” (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

Michael Phelps Post 200 Free, 1:48.01, in Charlotte

Phelps: “I missed my third turn. It’s hard to see the wall because of the bulkhead… Ricky Berens is swimming fast. Happy to see him win in his hometown.” (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

Garrett Reports: Weekend Edition, SwimSwam News

A new coach in Tuscaloosa, and a rapid recap of CIF Champs, German Trials, and the Charlotte UltraSwim. (Photo Courtesy © Tim Binning, TheSwimPictures.com)