Sporting icons: Michael Phelps : career highlights & video of the legendary USA swimmer

 

Michael Phelps born 30 June 1985,  is a retired American competitive swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 28 medals. He made his Olympic debut at the age of 15 during the 2000 Sydney Olympics and rose to fame at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he won six gold and two bronze medals. Over his career, he set numerous world records and became known for his versatility and dominance in the pool. Phelps is also recognized for his advocacy for mental health awareness, sharing his own struggles with depression and anxiety to help others. Undoubtedly  Michael Phelps is arguably one of the greatest sportsman of all time and across all eras 

Michael Phelps' career is marked by numerous highlights and achievements, which have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest swimmers in history. Here is a detailed overview of his career highlights:

### Early Career and Sydney 2000 Olympics

- **2000 Sydney Olympics:** At 15 years old, Phelps became the youngest male to make a U.S. Olympic swim team in 68 years. He did not medal but placed fifth in the 200-meter butterfly.

### Breakthrough and Athens 2004 Olympics

- **2001 World Championships:** Phelps broke the world record in the 200-meter butterfly, becoming the youngest male swimmer to set a world record.

- **2004 Athens Olympics:** Phelps won six gold medals (100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, 4x200m freestyle relay, and 4x100m medley relay) and two bronze medals (200m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle relay). This performance tied the record for the most gold medals won in a single Olympics.

### Dominance and Beijing 2008 Olympics

- **2008 Beijing Olympics:** Phelps won a record-breaking eight gold medals in a single Olympics, surpassing Mark Spitz's seven gold medals in 1972. His victories came in the 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, 200m freestyle, 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, 4x100m freestyle relay, 4x200m freestyle relay, and 4x100m medley relay. This performance made him the most decorated Olympian in history at that time.

### Continued Success and London 2012 Olympics

- **2012 London Olympics:** Phelps added four gold medals (100m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 4x200m freestyle relay, and 4x100m medley relay) and two silver medals (200m butterfly and 4x100m freestyle relay) to his collection. He became the first male swimmer to win the same individual event (200m individual medley) in three consecutive Olympics. By the end of these Games, Phelps had a total of 22 Olympic medals, making him the most decorated Olympian ever.

### Retirement and Return for Rio 2016 Olympics

- **2016 Rio Olympics:** After a brief retirement, Phelps returned to competition and won five gold medals (200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 4x100m freestyle relay, 4x200m freestyle relay, and 4x100m medley relay) and one silver medal (100m butterfly). His total Olympic medal count reached 28, with 23 golds, 3 silvers, and 2 bronzes.

### Records and Achievements

- **World Records:** Over his career, Phelps set 39 world records (long course), the most of all time.

- **Awards and Honors:** Phelps has received numerous awards, including the World Swimmer of the Year Award eight times and the American Swimmer of the Year Award eleven times.

- **Impact and Legacy:** Beyond his records, Phelps has had a significant impact on the sport of swimming and has inspired countless athletes. He has also been an advocate for mental health, openly discussing his struggles with depression and anxiety, and has established the Michael Phelps Foundation to promote healthy living and the sport of swimming.

Michael Phelps' remarkable achievements and contributions to sports have left an indelible mark on the history of the Olympics and swimming.

Below watch one of Phelps greatest swimming medal winning shows at Beijing Olympics