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.”

Ricky Berens, 200 Free Winner, 1:47.32

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 …

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)

UltraSwim Day 2 Prelims: Lawrence Fast; SwimSwam Giveaways

Micah Lawrence was on fire at the UltraSwim, and we’ve got free stuff if you want it.

Lochte: “I Feel Like It’s About to Pay Off”

Ryan Lochte is confidently humble at the prospects of the 2012 Olympics

Is Phelps Happy about his UltraSwim Schedule?

Michael Phelps responds to his UltraSwim line-up this weekend in Charlotte, NC.

Will Michael Phelps swim 400 IM in London?

“Michael Phelps swam the fastest in-season 400 I.M. of his career at the Indianapolis Grand Prix.”

Dealing with an Overcrowded Omaha

USA Swimming has made some changes in the format at Olympic Trials. Garrett McCaffrey tells you about it and everything else that happened in the sport of swimming this past weekend.

10 Big Things for UltraSwim: Phelps Lightens His Load

And 9 other of the most intriguing stories for Charlotte (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

Reaction to Michael Phelps’ 60 Minutes Interview [Video]

Phelps says everything is clicking for London (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning)

Michael Phelps featured on CBS 60 Minutes Tonight

Anderson Cooper, 60 Minutes contributor: “How much is left Michael’s tank for London?” (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

4×100 Free Relay, London Olympic Preview

The men’s 4×100 freestyle relay may be the most competitive race at the London Olympic Games.

Endless Pools & Swim Across America Partner

Endless Pools & SAA partner on Sweepstakes to win an Endless Pool Swim Spa. (PHOTO: Janel Jorgensen, Olympic medalist & President of SAA.)

Andrew With an Encore – NAG #2 in Clearwater

Michael Andrew took down the 2nd NAG Record of his final meet as an 11-12 on Saturday.

Murphy NAG Record; Phelps World-Leading IM Wrap-Up Indy GP

Michael Phelps was feeling his 200 IM on the final night of the 2012 Indy Grand Prix. (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)